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Renowned Zambian musician Yo Maps, real name Elton Mulenga, has been summoned by the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) for allegedly violating traffic regulations while celebrating his recent AFRIMA award win.
RTSA said the artiste breached provisions of the Road Traffic Act by standing on a moving vehicle during his celebratory procession.
The agency cited Section 180 (j) and Part 3 of the Road Traffic Act No. 8 of 2022, which state: “No person having a motor vehicle on a public road shall permit any person, or animal to occupy the roof, any step or running board or any other place on top of a vehicle while the vehicle is in motion,” and “No passenger in a vehicle on a public road shall permit any part of the passenger’s body to protrude beyond the vehicle.”
According to the agency, Yo Maps’ conduct constituted a clear breach of these provisions. It further expressed disappointment that similar warnings issued to public figures in the past appeared to have had little impact.
“Yo Maps, you have been called to the stand. Please visit RTSA HQ this week at the time of your convenience,” the agency stated.
The move triggered immediate backlash on social media, with many Zambians accusing RTSA of selective enforcement. Users argued that other public figures had engaged in similar conduct without facing consequences, citing celebrities, politicians and recent high-profile visitors.
Chanda John Chimba questioned the decision, saying: “Ba RTSA, leave Yo Maps alone! The man is celebrating a Zambian achievement. Is the law for everyone or for certain people when convenient?” He added: “Just a few days ago, an American YouTuber was seen standing on top of a moving vehicle while live-streaming to over 2.8 million viewers worldwide, and nothing was said.”
Another user, Charles Mwenda, wrote: “so even the president will be called to Ask RTSA during the election campaigns? i know he will do the same as well. Elo ba Ask RTSA why didn’t you summon the iShowSpeed for doing the same? asking on behalf of ba group fili aba mwenso teti bepushe😅.”
Read More: Yo Maps wins best male artiste in Southern Africa at Lagos AFRIMA event
Others, such as Rowland Tanza, argued that Yo Maps was being unfairly targeted. “Nimwe ba pull him down? Ka speed went against all manner of your codes but you didn’t call him. Let Yo Maps enjoy his light,” he said. Mumba Lubansa added: “Hmmm partial law enforcement! IshowSpeed was doing that the whole time on these same Zambian roads. Let the guy celebrate his award. Just caution him for future reference. Not ifyama ‘come to the office!’ 😒”
Timothy Mulwanda questioned whether RTSA would treat international personalities the same way. “Ask RTSA does that one also knows where dedan kimathi road is? Or it all animals are equal but some animals are equal than others? Or you were scared to summon him because of Donald Trump🚀 who doesn’t do Chimbuya with anyone?” he wrote.
More criticism followed from Justine Tembo, who said: “Politicians do it all the time. Wedding people do it all the time. Funeral people do it all the time. Ishowspeed did it. Why uyu mwamuchita summon? Naimwe mufuna attention?”
The agency is yet to comment on the accusations of inconsistent enforcement, while Yo Maps is expected to appear at RTSA headquarters within the week.
Picture Credit: Bernard Kamba
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