The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has reminded motorists in the country that they are mandated by law to ensure safety of their passengers by, among others, having them fasten their seatbelts at all times.

The remarks follow a K10,000 fine as notification of traffic offence to a concerned motorist which has been circulating on various social media platforms.

Commenting on the uproar the offense has attracted, National police spokesperson Peter Kalaya told YONECO FM that motorists have the responsibility of ensuring safety of passengers.

Said Kalaya: “MPS traffic police officers will continue to enforce the available Road Traffic Rules and Regulations as they are, including pressing fines to drivers who carry passengers who do not fasten their seatbelts.

“The Service is committed to ensuring that all road users are safe and secure at all times when travelling on Malawi’s public roads.”

Kalaya has also implored passengers to proactively take responsibility of their safety by making sure that they fasten their seatbelts every time they board a vehicle without waiting to be instructed.

According to MPS, the 2023 Annual Road Traffic Report shows that passengers were the second largest category of victims of road accident.

254 passengers died (25 percent of all deaths) while 1708 passengers sustained injuries from road accidents year.