For the very first time in history, Malawi will have traffic police officers brandishing loaded guns on the country’s roads.
According to a leaked internal communication which Malawi Voice has seen, the decision has been made following “incidence of violence against traffic officers.”
“You are directed to make sure that you are accompanied by an Armed police officer or have someone within the team to carry a riffle when going for or conducting traffic checks.
“No team should be found without a firearm. Treat matter important,” reads the memo signed by a Mrs. D. Kawale, Officer in-charge, responsible for Service Traffic and Transport.
Two years ago, a traffic officer was killed when a minibus driver smashed his vehicle to a tree following disagreement between the two parties.
And just recently, two traffic officers were injured after a driver rammed his vehicle on them in Blantyre.
