As hunger continues hitting hard in most households across the country, it is reported that communities between Mkaya and Nayunchi are attacking trains belonging to the Central East African Railways (Cear) that are carrying wheat for the company’s clients.
Both Cear’s Public Relations Officer Chisomo Mwamadi and Eastern Region Police Deputy Public Relations Officer Autilia Kumanga have confirmed the development.
According to Mwamadi, the people are stealing wheat from the trains when passing through the area.
“Others are actually waiting for the train to attack it when it is passing between Nkaya and Nayuchi, they are taking out the wheat and we are only asking the communities to refrain from such a malpractice,” said Mwamadi.
The development, according to Mwamadi, is negatively affecting the company’s business as they are losing money which they are paying back the clients whose wheat has been stolen.
He said it was worrisome that Cear’s security personnel is also attacked in the course of protecting the wheat.
“Meanwhile we are putting up measures to curb the malpractice. among others we are increasing the security team on the trains and we also intend to do regular visits to the area with sensitisation messages to the people on the dangers of this behaviour,” he said.
In a separate interview, Kumanga said they have been receiving reports of theft by the surrounding communities and stressed that they have started providing security to the area.
“The company has not come to us to report the matter but we have been hearing that such a thing is happening within the rail route and currently our officers are on the ground providing security while also trying to establish why this is happening,” said Kumanga.
However Kumanga could not comment on reports that the looming hunger which is hitting the country is contributing to the theft
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