Mwanza. Mwanza Regional Police Command has suspended the driving licence of Obadia bus company driver, Mr Sabatho Emmanuel, 32, for six months after he was caught driving a bus while chatting on a mobile phone.
A statement issued on Sunday, September 6, 2026, by Mwanza Regional Police Commander Wilbrod Mutafungwa said the driver’s licence had been suspended effective today, while he is expected to be taken to court for further legal action.
“Initial measures have already been taken, including suspending his driving licence for six months effective today, September 6, 2026, and he will be taken to court for further legal action,” he said.
The driver, a resident of Buswelu in Ilemela District, was driving a passenger bus operating between Mwanza and Nyamongo in Mara Region while sending and receiving messages.
The regional police chief said passengers voiced their concern about the driver's conduct, but he responded by telling them not to teach him his job.
Commander Mutafungwa said the driver was arrested on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 12.40 pm in Isangijo, Magu District, along the Mwanza-Musoma road, while travelling from Nyamongo to Mwanza.
He said the driver started using the phone around Lamadi in Simiyu Region and continued chatting while driving the bus towards Mwanza.
“Despite some passengers seated near him warning him and asking him to stop the conduct that was endangering their lives, the suspect responded with abusive and offensive language,” said Commander Mutafungwa.
He said the Police Force took swift action and arrested the driver, who remains in custody for questioning and other legal procedures.
The commander said the action against the driver was part of the Police Force’s efforts to ensure drivers comply with road safety laws, regulations and procedures.
He said the driver’s arrest was also a result of public education provided by the Police Force, particularly to passengers using public transport, on the importance of reporting drivers who endanger their lives.
“The arrest of this driver is a positive outcome of the continuous education provided by the Police Force to the public, particularly passengers using public transport, encouraging them to speak out and report drivers who fail to comply with road safety laws, regulations and procedures,” he said.
He urged all drivers to stop using mobile phones while driving, stressing that strict legal action would continue to be taken against those who endanger the lives of citizens.
A Mwanza resident, Mr Philbert Jovin, said many drivers, including commuter (daladala) drivers, had developed a habit of chatting while driving and sometimes talking on the phone for long periods without considering passengers’ safety.
“For example, daladala drivers could wait until they reach bus stands or major stops where their conductors look for passengers. They could chat as much as they want and talk on the phone, but once it is time to drive, they should keep their attention off the phone,” he said.
