Maputo – President Daniel Chapo has delivered one of his strongest criticisms yet of Mozambique’s police forces, accusing them of negligence, rampant corruption and failing to curb the rising wave of road accidents that continue to claim hundreds of lives across the country.

Speaking on Thursday at the opening of the Interior Ministry’s Coordinating Council, held under the theme “Evaluating Performance and Strengthening Strategies in Response to Internal Security Challenges, with Emphasis on Preventing and Combating Crime and Road Accidents,” the Head of State said the motto reflects a national priority: public security.

Chapo stressed that the Ministry of the Interior must be “a sector of results, discipline, public service and constant modernisation,” adding that there is “no space for complacency, indiscipline or lack of ethics” within the police. “Our greatest commitment is to the citizen, to public order and to the Republic of Mozambique,” he said.

Road Accidents Deadlier Than Malaria

The President issued a stark warning on the growing number of fatal road crashes, describing Mozambique’s roads as “authentic corridors of death.”

From January to September this year, the country registered 488 road accidents, up from 459 in the same period of 2024. These accidents caused 662 deaths, compared with 555 last year, as well as hundreds of serious and minor injuries.

“These data show that road accidents are more deadly than malaria,” Chapo stressed. In 2024, malaria caused 358 hospital deaths, far fewer than the 459 deaths caused by road accidents. “This year alone, accidents have already killed 662 people — three times more than malaria. This is criminal, it is heinous, and it must stop.”

With the festive season approaching — typically a period of heavy traffic, speeding and drink driving — the President urged authorities to intensify road surveillance, particularly at critical stretches. He also appealed for more education and less reliance on punitive measures alone.

“What Are You Waiting For?” – Chapo Challenges Police Command

In a rare, forceful rebuke, Chapo criticised police commanders for failing to act decisively to halt the “carnage” on national roads.

“Companheiros, what are you waiting for to take corrective measures? How can you sleep peacefully while innocent lives are lost because of irresponsible and criminal behaviour?” he asked.

He said that, despite instructions from the Presidency, the Interior Ministry and related sectors such as Transport and Logistics have not yet produced “contundent, structural and effective responses” to reduce road deaths.

A Harsh Attack on Corruption Within Police Ranks

The speech turned even sharper when Chapo addressed corruption within the Traffic Police and Border Police, singling out long-standing practices that undermine public trust and damage Mozambique’s tourism reputation.

Among the issues he highlighted:

Bribery and favouritism in assignments to the Traffic Police and Border Police, regarded as “fertile sectors for corruption and illicit enrichment.”

Traffic officers are allegedly paying commanders to be placed on speed control or alcohol checkpoints.

The notorious “xitiqui” of 5,000 meticais, a bribe widely believed to be extorted from motorists.

Persistent tolerance of overcrowded public transport, despite multiple checkpoints.

Harassment of tourists through “requests for refreshments” and repeated stops targeting vehicles with foreign plates.

Extortion at major border posts — including Ressano Garcia, Machipanda, Zóbué, Milange, Mandimba, Negomano and Maputo International Airport — where officers reportedly pay “enormous amounts” to be assigned due to the lucrative opportunities for corruption.

“This must end,” the President declared. “Some heads will roll if this continues.”

Chapo also denounced corruption at the National Directorate of Civil Identification (DNIC) and the National Migration Service (SENAMI), where ID cards and passports are allegedly being turned into “objects of business.”

A Call for Reform to Protect Citizens and Tourism

The President warned that abusive police practices not only harm citizens but also undermine the tourism sector — an important pillar for national development.

“Tourists agree that Mozambique is a country of wonders, but police behaviour has been strangling this potential. We must change if we want to develop our country,” he said.

“Enough is Enough”

Concluding his address, Chapo urged the Coordinating Council to serve as a compass guiding the country toward an end to deadly road accidents and unethical conduct within the police.

“This is the right moment for all of us to say Basta! to road accidents and to the vices that stain the police corporation,” he affirmed.

The President’s speech signals a tougher stance from the new administration on police reform, accountability and public safety at a time when public concern over corruption and insecurity remains high.