Traffic Police Crack Down on Daladalas, Passengers Frustrated

Traffic Police Crack Down on Daladalas in Chanika, Kigogo, and Kisarawe, Causing Passenger Frustration

Dar es Salaam, March 19, 2025

Thousands of commuters traveling between Chanika, Kigogo, and Kisarawe faced significant disruptions today as Tanzania’s Traffic Police conducted rigorous inspections of commuter minibuses (daladalas). The crackdown, carried out at Pugu Kajiungeni Primary School, saw officers halting every passing daladala to check for various violations.

While authorities insist the operation is a routine measure to ensure road safety, it has triggered widespread frustration among passengers, many of whom were forced to disembark and scramble for alternative transport.

Police Crackdown Follows Fatal Accident

This heightened enforcement comes just two days after a tragic accident on March 17, 2025, at Pugu Mwisho wa Lami, which claimed the life of Chanika’s District Police Commander (OCD), Awadhi Mohamed Chiko, and injured his colleague, Zubeda Sadala.

According to Acting Regional Police Commander for Dar es Salaam, Faustine Mafwele, the accident occurred when a Tata minibus operating between Zingiziwa, Chanika, and Machinga Complex collided head-on with a Toyota Prado. The minibus driver fled the scene, and police are actively searching for him.

A daladala driver, who requested anonymity, stated that since the accident, traffic police have been conducting frequent inspections, prompting many operators with non-compliant vehicles to avoid the roads.

Passengers Struggle with Transport Woes

As police carried out inspections, many passengers, including students, were left stranded, some forced to walk long distances, while others resorted to using expensive motorcycle taxis (bodabodas).

Pili Hassan, a resident of Kigogo, expressed frustration, stating that she had been delayed in delivering charcoal to her food business.

“It’s already 8:00 AM, and my employees are waiting for me to bring charcoal for cooking. This delay is costing me valuable time,” she said.

Charles Boniface from Chanika criticized the police approach of stopping buses mid-route, arguing that inspections should be done at departure points to allow passengers to seek alternative transport in advance.

“This Pugu School area is one of the worst places to find transport. Most buses pass by already full. Traffic officers should conduct these checks at bus terminals so passengers can make proper travel arrangements,” he suggested.

Catherine Msemwa from Kisarawe complained about the financial burden caused by the impromptu inspections.

"Since I’m already late, I had to take a bodaboda to Kariakoo for TZS 10,000, which I hadn’t budgeted for. But my client has been waiting since 7:00 AM, so I have no choice," she lamented.

Bodaboda Riders Profit from Passenger Crisis

While passengers suffered, bodaboda riders saw an opportunity to cash in on the chaos, significantly increasing fares. A trip that would normally cost TZS 1,000 skyrocketed to TZS 3,000 due to high demand.

Despite growing complaints, traffic police maintained their stance, stating that the crackdown is necessary to prevent accidents and ensure passenger safety. The operation has exposed widespread non-compliance, with many drivers found without valid licenses and vehicles deemed unfit for the road.