English
FrançaisComplaint
- Complaint number
- NTB-000-606
- NTB Type
- 8.8. Issues related to transit
- Complaint
-
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
There is a serious security problem with trucks entering the Munhava area of Beira port.
The Munhava access route is the only entrance used by trucks entering the port to load and offload.
This is an extremely high crime area with drivers being harassed by third parties while entering and departing the port. The road is in a poor condition and is congested so vehicles have to slow right down. The criminal elements gather in this area and stop the vehicles by engaging the rear axle park brake on the fuel tankers or jumping onto the vehicle itself. They then demand money from the drivers (approx. USD 5 to 10). Should the driver fail to pay over the cash, he is then pulled from the vehicle and beaten. The driver is then thrown under the truck while a member of the group enters the truck and steals the personal effects, radios, money, tools etc from the vehicle.
If the drivers overnight within the Port, they are harassed by parties again. If the driver leaves the vehicle to submit documents, they enter the vehicle using duplicate keys. As you know, keys for trucks are not unique.
If you are travelling along this road with fertilizers or as in the case of the attached photo, wheat, then you need an armed guard.
The photo was taken at the Junction of the Main Beira Road and Munhava Road. As the vehicle turned the corner and drove out of Munhava, the guard cleared the weapon and sat down, an indication that he was out of the ‘danger’ area.
It is noted that the target of these attacks are predominately launched at foreign transporters.
ASTROS, the National Road Transport Association (NRTA) in Beira, has held meetings with the chief of Sofala province police, chief of nearest police station, CFM management in Sofala, Cornelder Management, Transport department of Sofala, and ultimately the Sofala Governor. The Governor has even opened a free telephone link to ASTROS. None of these initiatives have solved this problem.
CFM and the police know who the criminals are, where they stay and how they act, but simply do nothing.
This is a most serious situation and requires the urgent attention of the Regional Economic Communities (SADC, COMESA). - Status note
- On 19 June 2015, Mozambique Focal Point reported that the competent Provincial authorities in Sofala reported that security in the area had been reinforced to ensure safety of truckers. Further Mozambique Focal Point advised that, in future, FESARTA should provide names and force numbers for the police officer/s asking for bribes to assist in further investigations. Mozambique therefore has resolved the complaint
- Progress update note
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1. On 29 December 2014, FESARTA reported that their members were still experiencing security problems and loss of lives at Munhava. The situation was still very bad. Reports of assaulted drivers were received in the week 17 to 21 November 2014. Transport Association reported that, after many complaints to Mozambique authorities, these problems are still unresolved. The most targeted foreign vehicles are Zimbabwean registered whilst Zambian and Malawi trucks are left scot free. It is believed that this is so because thieves believe Zambia and Malawi drivers have powerful juju/muti or black magic.
The rogue elements take advantage of big potholes prevalent on the port exit, to raid drivers especially those drivers who would have failed to pay $10. Drivers reported that the rogue elements are sometimes assisted by police to commit the crimes against drivers. Transporters reported that there is collusion between loaders and the rogue elements as to which trucks are carrying valuable cargo. It is alleged that CFM and the police know who the criminals are, where they stay and how they act, and are therefore requested to take action to stop the criminal acts.
Recommendation:
The affected FESARTA members recommend that Mozambique Authorities consider setting up a gate at the entry and exit points to Munhava where willing operators can pay a nominal amount to have an armed escort to the entry/exit point. Although this would be an added cost to the already break-even route, it is better than loss of a driver or the whole unit.
FESARTA therefore urges the relevant authorities to take bold and decisive action against the perpetrators of such criminal activities. The names of three drivers who have been robbed are provided to enable follow up by Zimbabwe and Mozambique focal points. The focal points have been requested to provide feedback on what action was being taken to address the problem.
2. On 15 November 2013, Mozambique Focal Point reported that the competent Provincial authorities in Sofala had been contacted and they are attending to the complaint in order to resolve the problem. The area will be monitored by police officers, to ensure safety of truckers. Further Mozambique Focal Point advises complainants to provide names and force numbers for the police officer/s asking for bribes to assist in further investigations.
3. On 20th November 2014, FESARTA was requested to provide any useful information they had as per focal point request to assist with investigation. At the same time a progress report was expected from the focal point. - Policy or regulatory NTB
- No
- Location
- Mozambique: Beira Port (Seaport)
- Reporting Country or Region
- Zambia
- Country specific trade issue
- No
- Date of incident
- 2013-10-08
- Status
- Resolved
- Date of resolution
- 2015-06-19
- Product Description
-
All products
- Total value
- 0
- Date reported
- 2013-10-11 13:02
- Modified
- 2015-06-24 12:48
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