The traffic police in the Western Equatoria State capital, Yambio, have issued a strong warning to people riding unregistered motorbikes, saying the practice endangers public safety and fuels crime in the town.
Speaking during the election of the Western Equatoria State Boda Boda Association leadership on Monday in Yambio, senior traffic officer Santo Arkangelo Ginana said many riders refuse to register their motorbikes and get number plates and claim protection from soldiers or powerful individuals to avoid penalties.
He said the lack of number plates makes it difficult to identify motorcycles involved in accidents or criminal activities.
“There are many cases where soldiers come to claim an arrested motorbike, saying it belongs to them,” he stated. “From today, any motorcycle arrested will only be released after proper verification of the real owner.”
Ginana warned that all motorcycles must be registered and that owners should present themselves without involving soldiers or influential individuals.
He also announced plans to document all boda-boda riders and motorcycles in Yambio County to ease identification and improve safety.
Meanwhile, Yambio County Commissioner Michael Ismail Medi called on the youth, especially boda-boda riders, to avoid involvement in crime and instead use the business to support their families.
“Most crimes are committed by youth,” he said. “Riders should refrain from activities that cause insecurity and instead promote peace and unity in Western Equatoria.”
For his part, the chairperson of Yambio County Youth Association, Bage Jonathan, urged authorities to review the heavy taxes and frequent arrests affecting boda-boda riders, saying many riders have raised concerns over high charges.
“Taxation is too much, and riders complain they work day and night but face too many charges,” he noted.
Bage also warned riders against using drugs and alcohol while riding and encouraged cooperation with security agencies to protect the community.
The boda-boda association in Yambio elected a new county leadership, which pledged to work closely with the police to enforce road safety rules and ensure all motorcycles are registered.
The newly elected leaders are Christopher Biyo Alfred, chairperson, Song Boroyo, deputy chairperson, and Robert Chikote as the secretary general.
The election was attended by state government officials who said the new leadership would help unite riders and reduce insecurity.
The police say operations to impound numberless motorcycles will continue.