Police in Machinga have warned people against grazing livestock along railway line saying that this has a potential to cause rail accidents.
Machinga Police Station Community Policing Coordinator, Sub lnspector Masautso Katemera, sounded the warning at Traditional Authority Mchinguza’s area in the district during an interface meeting with community on the risks of grazing livestock’s along rail line.
He said that in March this year five cattle were run over by a train, adding that this pauses greater risk of damage to Central East African Railways (CEAR) property.
Katemera disclosed that CEAR signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Machinga Police to provide security and safety of property along the rail after observing numerous rail accident along the railway line.
Sub lnspector Katemera therefore warned people of Traditional Authority Mchinguza against grazing their livestock along the rail and further warned children against playing along the line.
“Let me appeal to chiefs and Livestock Executive Committee to ensure that no one graze livestock along rail line,” added Machinga Police Community Policing Coordinator.
Traditional Authority Mchinguza committed himself to ensure that no one grazes livestock along the rail line that passes through his area in Machinga East and anyone found grazing along the rail line shall pay fine.
He hailed Machinga Police for patrolling the rail line frequently saying this could stop the tendency of grazing livestock along the line.
Chairperson of Livestock Executive Committee, Uladi Bomba said his committee will ensure that the railway line remains a no go zone and protected property.
He further called for collaboration with the police and Community Policing Forum to ensure continued patrols day and night.
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