Dedza Police Station has empowered traffic wardens at Bembeke Trading Centre along the M1 to fight congestion and road obstruction.
Speaking on Monday during a market day, Dedza Police Station traffic officer Hamilton Kathumba said road accidents at Bembeke and other trading centres in the district occur due to obstruction of the road by vendors.
“We have introduced traffic wardens to complement our efforts in ensuring free flow of traffic. We have empowered them to report to us all drivers who will violate road traffic rules and regulations,” he said.
Kathumba appealed to vendors to move away from the pavements to prevent accidents.
In his remarks, Dedza Police Station spokesperson Edward Kabango urged community members to desist from mob justice.
“When you arrest a suspect, do not administer your own justice. Bring that suspect to police for proper dispensation of justice,” he said.
On his part, Bembeke Market chairperson Henry Makungwa, who is also a traffic warden, said they will not abuse their power.
“We will desist from corruption,” he said.
John Gwaza, a community member, said it was high time the vendors stopped selling their merchandise by the roadside.
“The vendors should relocate to the market because people will follow them there,” he said.
During the orientation, police presented reflective jackets to the wardens.
Besides Dedza Police Station, Blantyre and Lilongwe police stations also trained traffic wardens.
