MOBILE MONEY ASSOCIATION ADVOCATES CALLS FOR EARLY CLOSURE OF MOBILE MONEY BOOTHS AMID RISING SAFETY CONCERNS
Mobile Money Association of Zambia (MMAZ) is advocating for the early closure of mobile money booths to ensure the security of operators who deal with huge sums of money.
Speaking in an interview, MMAZ president Pamfred Hasweeka expressed concern over the safety of agents, stating that he is in full support of the regulations.
“We have big financial institutions like banks who knock off at 15:00, maybe the latest being 16, so we’re advocating for safe business, even by 16, we can knock off,” Mr Hasweeka said.
He further emphasized that dealing with money is a risky business that should be treated with utmost security.
“What benefit will it be for you to expose yourself to criminals by working in the night where at the end of the day you’ll lose the business and your life?” he questioned.
Mr Hasweeka is advocating for mobile operators to close up their businesses early or engage security.
“For those working in the malls, at least it’s safer.”
Copperbelt police recently received reports of attacks by unknown gangs on mobile money operators in Chingola.
In response, the police implemented new regulations requiring mobile money operations to close by 18:00 to avoid attacks.
Chingola district investigative officer Ekan Machiku assured booth operators that once the perpetrators are brought to book, normalcy will return.
“For now, let’s adhere to the safety regulations, then when these people are brought to book, we might go back to normal, but also with caution,” Mr Machiku said.
However, some booth operators have expressed concern over the new regulations.
One operator said, “We understand the risks involved, but closing earlier will affect our earnings. We hope the police can provide more support, like apprehending the people causing this fear, than just putting up restrictions.”