At Least 168 Traffic Officers Face Disciplinary Action for Misconduct in Tanzania

At least 168 traffic officers face disciplinary action for misconduct in Tanzania

At least 168 traffic officers face disciplinary action for misconduct in Tanzania

During this period, 253 government drivers were arrested, and in the first six months of this year, 33 drivers had their licenses revoked.
Dodoma. Tanzania has taken significant disciplinary measures against 168 traffic officers due to misconduct, including corruption, between June 2023 and June 2024.

The actions include military prosecution, transfers to different units, and dismissals.

The Attorney for the Traffic Police Unit, Mr Deus Sokoni, disclosed these details during the launch of Road Safety Week, which also marks the 50th anniversary of the Road Safety Council.

Sokoni provided the information in response to questions from Vice President Dr Philip Mpango during an inspection of the exhibition pavilions at the Jamhuri Grounds in Dodoma.

Read: Motorists’ accounts: How bribery rules the roads in Tanzania

Dr Mpango inquired about the number of officers disciplined and the specific actions taken. Sokoni confirmed that eight officers were dismissed, 84 received warnings, and the remainder were transferred to other departments.

Dr Mpango also expressed concerns about government vehicles speeding on the roads without adhering to speed limits or safe passing practices.

He asked for statistics on how many government drivers had been caught speeding and the measures taken against them. Sokoni reported that 253 government drivers were apprehended last year, and in the first half of this year, 33 drivers had their licenses revoked.

At the event, Dr Mpango directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to expedite the review of the Road Safety Law, including stricter penalties for traffic violations.

He highlighted the rising number of motorcycle accidents, noting that 435 incidents occurred between January and December last year, resulting in 376 fatalities, an increase from 332 deaths in 2022.

Dr Mpango emphasized the importance of enforcing safety measures, including helmet use, avoiding overloading on motorcycles, and ensuring valid driving licenses and insurance.

Combating road accidents

The Minister for Home Affairs Hamad Masauni said authorities were undertaking several initiatives to reduce road accidents. These include the Safe Cities project, mandatory vehicle inspections, and the implementation of advanced technological systems.

The Deputy Minister for Home Affairs and Chairman of the Road Safety Council, Daniel Sillo, discussed a national strategy to address road accidents.

The strategy focuses on controlling drunk and negligent drivers, regulating speed, engaging vehicle owners in accountability, and enforcing legal driving and insurance requirements.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Camillus Wambura announced plans to launch an electronic registration system for driving school students, allowing road safety authorities to track each student’s progress.

The Chairman for the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Security, Mr Vita Kawawa, said the committee will advocate for increased penalties for road safety violations to better reflect the serious consequences they entail.

ALSO READ : Government Jobs