A Tanzanian lorry driver was attacked in Isoka, Zambia, raising alarms over safety along the Tanzania-Zambia border. The driver suffered critical injuries and had to be hospitalized after a violent incident where attackers also attempted to extort money. The occurrence highlights the need for heightened security measures in the region, prompting calls for government cooperation between Tanzania and Zambia to safeguard transport workers and cargo.
A Tanzanian lorry driver was brutally attacked in Isoka, Zambia, raising serious concerns regarding the safety of transporters along the Tanzania-Zambia border. The incident took place late in the evening of December 19, 2024, when the Operations Manager of the Ibrahim Rashid Mwaja Company, Mr. Abdallah Rashid, received alarming reports about one of their lorries being targeted by assailants. Initially, a bus passenger informed Mr. Rashid that the original driver had sustained critical injuries from machete wounds and had to be rushed to a hospital for treatment.
Confusion ensued as Mr. Rashid tracked the vehicle using its Global Positioning System (GPS), which indicated the lorry was still en route. Reports from passengers described a scene where the lorry was stationary, surrounded by individuals in an altercation. The attackers reportedly fled in a pickup truck as the bus approached. Although the driver was found in a life-threatening condition and later treated at Isoka Hospital, further details about his arrest and expired travel documents raised suspicions regarding the motives behind the attack.
Fortunately, all cargo on the lorry was reported intact, but the assailants attempted to extort money from the owner concerning the driver’s alleged documentation issues. The driver, who was transferred to Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital for specialized care, remained in critical condition but was showing signs of improvement. This attack highlights a troubling trend of violence against transport workers along the border, drawing attention to alarming security risks that need urgent government intervention and collaboration with Zambian authorities to ensure the safety of drivers and their cargo.
The Tanzania-Zambia border region has been increasingly plagued by violent incidents, particularly against transporters. The assault on the Tanzanian lorry driver serves as a grim reminder of the precarious environment faced by those working in the logistics and transport sector. As cross-border trade continues to grow, addressing insecurity becomes imperative to protect the lives of drivers and the integrity of shipments. Stakeholders emphasize the necessity for collaborative efforts between the Tanzanian and Zambian governments to enhance security measures in these high-risk areas, thereby safeguarding economic activities that heavily rely on efficient and safe transport channels.
The attack on the Tanzanian lorry driver underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures along the Tanzania-Zambia border. With increasing reports of violence against transporters, both governments must prioritize discussions aimed at ensuring driver safety and the protection of cargo. As the logistics environment becomes more perilous, the call for protective actions is vital to fostering a secure and stable framework for trade in the region, ultimately benefiting both nations’ economies and reinforcing inter-country cooperation. The case further reflects the broader challenges faced by transporters and the necessity of taking immediate action to mitigate risks inherent in cross-border transportation.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
