Human rights activists are intensifying calls for police accountability following a devastating road accident in Kasungu district that claimed the lives of 26 people, including two children.
The tragic incident occurred when a high-roof minibus, overloaded with passengers, collided with a pedal cyclist before crashing into a Tanzanian fuel tanker.
The collision resulted in a fiery inferno that consumed all 25 passengers on board, including the driver, who has been identified as Jack Phiri from Dedza.
Activists have raised serious concerns about the role of the police in this incident, questioning how a minibus, which legally should carry no more than 16 passengers, was allowed to operate with 26 people on board.
Despite passing through multiple police checkpoints along the M1 road, the vehicle continued its journey unchecked, leading to the tragic accident.
Lucky Crown Mbewe, a human rights and governance expert, has called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
“The police owe the nation an explanation,” Mbewe stated. “It’s alarming that a vehicle so grossly overloaded could travel such a distance without being stopped by traffic officers. What were the police doing? This incident suggests a serious lapse in duty, and the public deserves to know how this was allowed to happen.”
Mbewe also pointed out that while reckless driving and poor road conditions may have contributed to the accident, human error, particularly on the part of law enforcement, likely played a significant role.
He stressed the need for a transparent investigation and an official statement from the police to address the grey areas, including why the vehicle was not detained at any of the numerous checkpoints.
Bright Kampaundi, another human rights campaigner, echoed Mbewe’s concerns and emphasized that the police must be held accountable, particularly the officers responsible for monitoring the road on the day of the accident.
“This tragedy highlights a critical failure in our road safety enforcement,” Kampaundi said, “The police should have intervened long before this minibus reached Kasungu. There’s a need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent such horrific incidents from occurring again.”
Kampaundi also urged passengers to take a proactive role in ensuring their safety.
“When a vehicle is clearly exceeding its legal capacity, passengers must speak out. It’s a matter of life and death,” he said, adding that the public must also hold the police to a higher standard of diligence and honesty in their duties.
Undule Mwakasungula, a governance and security expert, expressed his deep sorrow and concern over the accident. “My heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those who tragically lost their lives in this devastating accident. The loss of 26 lives is a heart-wrenching tragedy that should never have occurred,” he stated.
“This incident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of road traffic regulations. It’s a painful reminder that we must prioritize continuous training for minibus drivers on defensive driving techniques. Drivers need to be well-prepared to handle challenging situations on the road to reduce the risk of such tragic accidents.
“Moreover, the allowance of a minibus with a capacity of 16 to carry 26 passengers through multiple roadblocks raises serious concerns about accountability and enforcement at these checkpoints. We must ensure that those responsible are held accountable and work towards enhancing road traffic regulations, driver training, and the vigilance of traffic police to prevent such incidents in the future.”
In response to the tragedy, President Lazarus Chakwera expressed his deep sorrow and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
In a statement released by the State House, President Chakwera said, “The First Lady and I are deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred this morning at Katondo in Kasungu, claiming the lives of 26 people, including two children. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this incredibly difficult time.”
The President assured that the government, through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, would provide necessary assistance to the affected families.
Kasungu District Commissioner James Kanyangalazi also expressed his grief, calling it a dark day for the district and the nation.
He affirmed that efforts are underway to assist the bereaved families and facilitate the identification process at Kasungu District Hospital mortuary, where the remains of the victims have been taken.
