Mchinji police challenge kabaza operators to enact regulated board

In a quest to end an influx of crimes associated with pedal cyclists in Mchinji District, police through the branches of Community Policing and Traffic have urged kabaza operators to establish a well constituted association

The ultimatum was made today, February 15, 2024 during an interface by police and the committee members from 34 various Kabaza depots (ranks) around Boma area in the district where the two digested on ways of combatting crime

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In the discussion it was ascertained that most kabaza operators are recognized in their depots with number tags, some reflectors, unlike the unregistered operators dubbed “Ng’wang’waza”, without specific depots and whom they blamed to be fugitive criminals thieving in disguise of kabaza business

The majority side of Kabaza operators who participated pleaded with police to completely ban unregistered kabaza operators since they alleged that they are fueling to a rise in crime in the district

Responding to the anomaly, the Station Traffic Officer (STO) for Mchinji Police, Inspector Dan Chitsulo Jumbe lectured the Kabaza party on importance of coming up with a properly constituted association to govern their affairs and address such problems and give a copy of set of by-laws to police for reviewing and enforcement in tandem with government laws.

In an interview, Inspector Florida Chilakalaka, the Community Policing Coordinator, expressed the need for police participation in dialogues as such, since they give a room for anti-crime sensitization and civic education to the stakeholders (communities) about laws of Malawi

“As business is on its course, a lot happens, we receive different cases ranging from theft and general misunderstandings, as a security agency with our intervention today we believe that there will be a positive impact” Chilakalaka added.

Christopher Isaac Phiri, one of the kabaza operators who attended the meeting described the meeting as fruitful as they have now been enlightened on forming an association and other necessary expertise necessary in regulating their field to combat crime

The Kabaza party was represented by the Chairperson for Mchinji Boma Market, Petros Njolomole, also present during the meeting were Community Policing Forum (CPF) members and some block leaders