Fri, 16 Dec 2016 09:02:13 +0000
By VIOLET TEMBO
PIRATE taxi drivers in Luanshya yesterday rioted to protest police impounding their vehicles.
The irate drivers fought running battles with police and amid the confusion, a police vehicle, Toyota Hilux ZP 1950 B, had its rare windscreen stoned and shattered.
Copperbelt police chief Charity Katanga confirmed the development, stating that the riot was as a result of police impounding pirate taxis, mostly Toyota Noahs, that ferry passengers in and out of town. Ms.Katanga described the practice as illegal.
She said traffic police had yesterday morning carried out patrols as part of their duties but their presence in town centre infuriated the drivers and vendors who attacked the police. She said the officers later called for reinforcement.
“I can confirm that pirate taxi drivers rioted because officers from traffic were carrying out usual patrols and during the confusion a police Toyota Hilux registration number ZP 1950 B had its rare windscreen damaged.
‘‘We had impounded Noah motor vehicles whose business has not been registered and had no proper documentation. They have been operating illegally and normally ferry people.
Several vehicles have been impounded but no arrests have been made,’’ she said.
Ms Katanga said out of the 31 vehicles impounded, six drivers paid penalty fees and had their vehicles released.
And Luanshya district commissioner Ms Kasemuka Mwalo also confirmed the incident, stating that the illigality of pirate taxi has proven to be a challenge in her district.
Ms. Mwalo said the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) with police from traffic department have engaged the drivers but their efforts have proved futile.
She said the business was proving a danger to passengers ferried to and from various towns surrounding the district.
“Controlling piracy in Luanshya has proved to be a challenge and operators have paused a danger to other road users who include motorists and pedestrians. Stakeholders such as the council, RTSA and the police have tried to engage the taxi drivers to legalize their operations but there has been resistance,” she said.
The DC said the pirate taxi drivers took advantage of police officers patrolling because they were outnumbered and began to throw stones. She expressed disappoint with the attack on police.
