By Manasse Nyirenda        

Rumphi, September 13, Mana: Rumphi Police Traffic Office, Friday said about 61 people have been killed in motorcycle accidents in the district since January 2024.

Rumphi Police Station Traffic Officer (STO), John Nyangulu made the remarks in Rumphi when police trained motorcyclists on accident prevention.

Nyangulu said most of the accidents are caused by unlicensed riders, carrying passengers beyond capacity, speeding and riding while drunk.

"We have trained them to carry passengers according to capacity, avoid over speeding and ensure that their motorcycles are road worth. We have also tipped them to always wear long gloves, helmets and shoes to ensure their safety and passengers," said Nyangulu.

Chairperson for Rumphi Motorcycle Taxis Association, Wellings Chirambo said that the association will establish ways to enforce safety which they have acquired.

Earlier in September, District Commissioner for Rumphi, Emmanuel Bulukutu sounded an SOS asking stakeholders in the district to engage motorcyclists to tame increasing numbers of motorcycle accidents.

Police are expected to conduct the initiative in all major trading centers in the district.