In a devastating incident in Mzimba, traffic police officers have faced severe criticism for detaining a vehicle transporting a sick child, who later tragically passed away at the Mtambalika roadblock on the Mzimba Manyamula-Euthini earth road.

According to eye witnesses, the officers insisted on a K10,000 fine before allowing the vehicle to proceed for urgent medical treatment at the Mzimba district hospital.

While the Mzimba police spokesperson, Peter Botha, confirmed the incident, he shifted blame onto the driver for not alerting the officers about the child’s condition.