Tanzanian Lorry Driver Attack in Zambia Highlights Urgent Security Issues

A Tanzanian lorry driver was attacked in Isoka, Zambia, highlighting growing security concerns among transporters at the Tanzania-Zambia border. The driver sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized, while attackers attempted to extort money from the owner. Calls for enhanced security measures from both governments follow the incident, as the transport sector faces rising threats.

On December 19, 2024, a Tanzanian lorry driver was brutally attacked in Isoka, Zambia, igniting serious safety concerns for transporters near the Tanzania-Zambia border. Mr. Abdallah Rashid, Operations Manager at Ibrahim Rashid Mwaja Company, received alarming news via WhatsApp about the incident, wherein the driver sustained severe machete wounds and required immediate medical attention. Although initial GPS data indicated the lorry was en route, reports revealed that the driver was being treated in Isoka Hospital after being rescued by a bus passenger. The assailants reportedly attempted to extort money from the lorry owner, but no funds were transferred, leaving the motive behind the attack ambiguous.

Following the attack, the driver was taken to Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital in Tanzania for specialized care, signaling the dire circumstances faced by transporters in the region. Mr. Rashid voiced significant concerns over the heightened risks and inadequate support for transporters amid growing security threats, especially along the porous border known for criminal activities. He urged both the Tanzanian and Zambian governments to collaborate in enhancing security measures to ensure the safety of drivers and their cargo in these perilous areas.

The recent attack on the Tanzanian lorry driver has buttressed an alarming trend of assaults against transporters, a situation echoed by Mr. Chuki Shaban, the Chairman of the Tanzania Medium and Small Truck Owners Association (Tamstoa). He noted that there is an increasing number of insecurity incidents affecting the lives and livelihoods of countless transporters operating within Zambia. In light of this troubling reality, immediate intervention from both governments is crucial to safeguard the transport industry’s personnel and assets.

The incident involving the Tanzanian lorry driver underscores the ongoing security issues faced by transporters working along the Tanzania-Zambia border. Historically, this region has been susceptible to criminal acts, including theft and assault, necessitating urgent government action. The growing frequency of these attacks highlights the need for collaboration between Tanzanian and Zambian authorities to establish robust security measures that can effectively protect transporters and their cargo. As transport professionals increasingly communicate their concerns, there is pressure for immediate reforms to ensure safety on both sides of the border.

The assault on the Tanzanian lorry driver raises critical awareness regarding the security vulnerabilities prevalent among transporters operating along the border. With escalating incidents of violence and extortion, both governments must prioritize discussions aimed at enhancing safety protocols. The call for collaborative actions underscores the urgency of protective measures to prevent future tragedies and ensure that transporters can operate free from threats. As the driver recovers in the hospital, the incident acts as a compelling reminder of the challenges faced by the transport community, demanding immediate governmental response to ensure the safety of frontline workers.

Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz