The Malawi Police Service has launched a dramatic shake‑up of its traffic operations, ordering the immediate withdrawal of all officers serving as traffic aides or attached to the traffic branch — a move triggered by a viral video showing a traffic cop allegedly demanding a K20,000 bribe from a minibus driver in Blantyre.
Police Pull Traffic Officers After Bribe Video Sparks National Outrage
The directive, issued on 27 August 2026, has sent shockwaves through police formations nationwide.
Officers have been told to report back to their original stations without delay, with commanders warned that any failure to comply will be treated as misconduct.
The order follows public outrage after the video spread across social media, reigniting long‑standing complaints about corruption on Malawi’s roads.
The police top brass, clearly stung by the backlash, moved swiftly to clean house and restore public confidence.
The Minibus Owners Association of Malawi has welcomed the crackdown.
Its secretary general, Coxley Kamange, said the decision was “long overdue” and would help curb the harassment of drivers and passengers.
Governance commentator Undule Mwakasungula also praised the move, saying it showed the police were finally taking discipline and accountability seriously.
The withdrawal marks one of the most sweeping actions taken against traffic officers in recent years — and signals a force scrambling to repair its reputation after yet another corruption scandal caught on camera.
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