By BENNIE MUNDANDO and OLIVER SAMBOKO
INSPECTOR General of police, Kakoma Kanganja has suspended snap traffic check points in the wake of Covid-19, until the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is secured for traffic officers.
Police spokesperson Esther Katongo yesterday said this entailed that only permanent security check points (road blocks) will be mounted as the police command had already secured PPE for the officers.
Ms. Katongo called for personal responsibility by all road users during this period and warned that any offender that would be spotted by law enforcement officers abrogating road traffic rules and regulations will be dealt with according to the provisions of the Road Traffic Act.
And the public has welcomed the development as the presence of officers without protective clothing was contrary to the Covid-19 guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health. Mr Ishmail Kankhara, a bus operator and member of the Bus Owners and Taxis Associaition of Zambia (BOTAZ) said the operators support the directive and at the same time urge all motorists and bus drivers to adhere to the guidelines and to be disciplined.
And another bus operator, Mr Chrisantius Changwereza hailed police for the move and urged for strict adherence to the guidelines by ensuring that buses load a reduced number of passengers as guided by the local authorities.
Snap traffic check points suspension cheers transporters
