Malawi has registered a sharp rise in road accidents during this year’s independence commemoration as compared to last year.

National Deputy Police spokesperson Superintendent Harry J.D. Namwaza has confirmed of the development in a statement made available to this publication.

“36 road accidents have been registered in 2024, up from 18 road accidents registered in 2023.

“13 people have been killed from the registered road accidents in 2024 compared to 8 people who were killed in 2023,” said Namwaza in the statement.

According to Namwaza, the rise in accidents has been attributed to failure by motorists to adhere to road traffic rules and regulations.

During the three-day period, 91 motorists were booked and fined for drink and driving, 337 for speeding and 2,112 for exceeding vehicle seating capacity.