The Minister of the Interior, Paulo Chachine, on Wednesday, September 17, urged Traffic Police officers to reinforce discipline, fight corruption, and strictly enforce the law as a way to reduce the rising number of road accidents in the country, the Mozambican Information Agency reported.
Speaking at the Rapid Intervention Unit barracks in Maputo, during a parade that brought together Traffic Police officers, district commanders, and station chiefs from the city and province of Maputo, the minister highlighted the “seriousness of road accidents” and called on officers to “commit to saving lives.”
According to the minister, 87 people lost their lives in 48 road accidents in August alone, many involving vehicles operating outside the permitted hours for public transport or failing to comply with passenger capacity and licensing regulations.
“We are responsible when we let vehicles pass outside the authorized schedule or drivers without valid licenses,” Paulo Chachine stressed, holding officers accountable for strict enforcement.
The minister also condemned negligence and corruption practices, including allowing vehicles to circulate in exchange for bribes. “When we take money to let an irregular car pass, that bread bought with a bribe tastes of the victims’ blood,” he said, appealing for integrity and professional ethics among officers.
Chachine underlined that police work must go beyond issuing fines, also encompassing road safety education involving citizens, schools, churches, and community associations. “The police function is to prevent accidents and protect lives,” he emphasized.
He urged those present to honor their professional oath and to promote a culture of discipline and transparency within the force. “Each one must educate their colleague to eliminate practices that shame the institution,” he said, adding that the fight against road accidents should be understood as a national mission.
Today’s meeting is part of the Ministry of the Interior’s plan to bring leadership closer to operational officers, fostering internal reflection and continuous improvement of services provided to the public.
“The goal is that one day we may gather to celebrate the good performance of the Traffic Police, for reducing deaths and promoting road safety,” Paulo Chachine concluded, calling for firm, ethical, and transparent action from all officers.
Source: Diário Económico
