Machinga Police warn against playing on railway tracks amid rising accident risks

Police in Machinga District have issued a strong warning to the public against playing on railway tracks or allowing livestock to graze nearby, emphasizing that such actions can lead to serious and often fatal accidents.

As part of an awareness campaign, officers visited the areas of Mbanira, Namanja, Chinyasa, and Chipakwe.

The initiative aimed to educate local communities and train passengers about the dangers associated with railway tracks.

Speaking during the outreach, Community Policing Coordinator Sub Inspector Masautso Katemera stressed that walking or playing on railway lines, especially while intoxicated, is extremely risky.

He explained that trains are unable to stop quickly, making accidents almost unavoidable in such situations.

Katemera warned that anyone found engaging in these unsafe practices, including grazing animals along the tracks, will face legal consequences.

He also cautioned against vandalizing railway infrastructure, such as removing stones, damaging tracks, or tampering with signposts, noting that offenders will be arrested and prosecuted.

He further encouraged the public to report anyone damaging railway property, assuring them that their identities would remain confidential.

Adding to the warning, Deputy Traffic Officer Inspector Callista Chipino clarified that victims of train accidents are not entitled to compensation, as responsibility lies with the individual involved.

She noted that survivors of such accidents may even face charges, as the law considers them accountable for causing the incident.

The awareness campaign was conducted in collaboration with local community policing committees, reinforcing efforts to promote safety and prevent avoidable tragedies along railway lines.