Security sector watchdog Fundasaun Mahein (FM) has criticized police for failing to enforce mandatory 72 hour jail terms for motorists who drive unlicensed.
FM vice director Joao Almeida said Article 207 of the penal code stated that motorists found driving unlicensed must be detained for 72 hours.
Almeida said Transport Police Unit (POLTRANS) detained 40 riders for the mandatory period in October last year but the policy was no longer implemented.
Almeida said the law must not be arbitrarily enforced.
POLTRANS commander Inspector Antonio L.C. Soares said the unit regularly conducted license checks.
“A couple days ago, we carried out an operation and suspended nine riders and we sent them to prison until their hearings,” he said.
However he said license checks were sometimes only carried out twice a month.
