Police in Balaka District have warned people from Traditional Authority (T/A) Chanthunya against vandalising railway property.

The warning follows incidents of theft of railway property such as cable wire at Mululu Railway Control Tower that helps in communication for locomotives to change direction automatically.

There have been theft incidents on metals on a railway bridge across Rivirivi River in T/A Chanthunya.

Following the incidents, Balaka Police Station and Central East African Railways (Cear) engaged community members in group village head (GVH) Lupanga on Saturday on the dangers of vandalising railway property.

police officer checking damages on Rivirivi Railway Bridge

Speaking during the meeting, Balaka Police Station’s inspector Lawrence Bisika bemoaned vandalism, saying it was counterproductive.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to safeguard railway properties not waiting for Cear and police to intervene,” he said.

Bisika also advised people not to walk or play along the railway, saying railway accidents can be avoided if people are careful.

His warning comes after a locomotive injured a person at Nkaya Railway Bridge in November last year.

On his part, Cear Balaka senior security analyst Chimwemwe Billy reminded the communities that vandalising railway property was an offence.

“Cear is committed to work with communities around the area to curb vandalism and theft of railway property,” he said.

GVH Lupanga said he will further organise meetings with other traditional leaders on the dangers of vandalism and theft of railway property.

At the end of the meeting, police officers, Cear officials and GVH Lupanga as well as community members visited Rivirivi Bridge to assess some of the damage to the infrastructure

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