By Dalitso Kampira
Motorcycle taxi operators, locally known as Kabaza, in Thyolo Boma have accused the district police of failing to protect them from continued attacks by suspected criminals.
Our lives are in danger- Gawolina PIC Dalitso Kampira
Chairperson of the Kabaza operators at Thyolo Boma, Prime Gawolina, expressed his concerns on Friday, stating that operating in the district has become increasingly dangerous due to frequent attacks and robberies targeting motorcyclists.
"We live in constant fear of being robbed and attacked, which puts our lives at risk. Some of these criminals pose as customers, only to rob us later," said Gawolina.
He noted that since last year, six Kabaza operators had lost their motorcycles to such attacks, and one of them tragically lost his life after being robbed and killed by people who pretended to be passengers.
Gawolina further claimed that the police have stopped patrolling at night, allowing the criminals to exploit the situation and carry out their attacks more frequently.
Another operator, Ganizani Luciano, recounted a harrowing experience in which he was nearly killed by criminals who stole his motorcycle after he was hired by two unknown individuals.
"I reported the incident to the Thyolo Police Station last month, and they promised to take action, but so far nothing has been done," lamented Luciano.
He appealed to the police to provide better security, particularly on Nchima Road, where the operators are frequently targeted by criminals.
However, Thyolo Police Station Officer, John Jailosi, denied the allegations, arguing that the Kabaza operators themselves are to blame for not following safety advice.
"The dispute with the Kabaza operators arose because we advised them to stop working during odd hours for their own safety," said Jailosi.
He added that the police routinely conduct investigations through community policing when such incidents occur and frequently advise the operators to be cautious about whom they hire as passengers.
"We hold regular meetings with the operators, warning them about the dangers of picking up unknown customers without confirming their destination," he added.
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