Moam, drivers’ diplomats tussle over control of minibuses

Stewards under the Drivers and Vehicles Diplomats (DVD), an organisation set to monitor passenger vehicle services in the country’s bus depots and roads, were on Monday beaten up and chased from parking areas in Blantyre.

DVD officials alleged that suspected Minibus Owners Association of Malawi (Moam) stewards unleashed terror to instil fear while blocking them from conducting services.

Moam has denied the assault, but has warned that the association will not allow another organisation rip them off their hard-earned money.

DVD secretary general Dalilani Kanyoza claimed that at least 10 of their stewards were beaten up in Blantyre and Limbe despite an approval from the Blantyre City Council to conduct the operations.

Police issued the 10 with reference letters to hospital, but there were no arrest yet.

DVD argues that it wants minibus commuters in the country to have a conducive environment while ensuring that traffic rules and regulations are observed because transit clerks and route supervisors will be found at depots and on the roads to monitor such issues.

But Moam secretary general Coxley Kamange described the conduct of DVD as intrusion and declared war.

“Our members have refused to pay those fees. They want to reap where they did not sow. We will not allow them to abuse our members,” said Kamange.