By Milton Sukasuka and John Witness

Balaka, December 1, Mana:  Group Village Head Lupanga of Traditional Authority Chanthunya in Balaka district has warned people to stop stealing and damaging the railway line that has passed through his area.

Lupanga made the warning on Saturday, during a meeting organized by Balaka Police Station and Nacala Logistics to raise awareness following increased cases of vandalism and theft of property along the rail line.

He referred to the theft of metals at Lupanga Bridge saying this was counterproductive to development.

The incident therefore prompted Balaka Police Station to do a joint meeting with Nacala Logistics to condemn and address the malpractice.

“I strongly condemn the malpractice. The rail line is key to the country’s transport infrastructural development,

“As a traditional leader for this area, I will hold meetings to strongly condemn this and in the course of it, l will sensitize my subjects to desist from this bad behavior,” he said.

On his part, Assistant Superintendent, Victor Malunga from Balaka Police Station also condemned vandalism and theft of railway property.

He therefore urged community members to protect railway property against vandalism and theft, saying responsibility to look after the railway property is collective as opposed to leave the responsibility solely to Nacala Logistics or the police.

To prevent rail accidents, Malunga also advised people to avoid walking, sleeping, or playing near the railway tracks.

Nacala Logistics, Senior Security Officer, Lawrence Phiri concurred with Malunga saying stealing or damaging railway property is a crime.

He said the company will continue working with local communities to stop vandalism and theft of rail property.