The Chisenjere First Grade Magistrate Court in Blantyre has ordered a 36-year-old truck driver to pay a fine of K600,000 for causing death by reckless driving at Kameza roundabout Blantyre, Malawi last week.
According to Chileka police public relations officer Sergeant Jonathan Phillipo, the driver Tiyakhulenji Chitseko was on Saturday, 28th January, 2023 found guilty of causing death by reckless driving contrary to section 126 (4c) of Road Traffic Act.
The court heard through police prosecutor Sub Inspector Malithano that Chitseko committed the offence on 25th January, 2023 when he was driving a motor vehicle registration number CZ 1479/CZ 4074, Flatliner from Blantyre heading to Lunzu along Magalasi Dual Carriageway.
It is reported that upon arrival at Kameza Roundabout, he failed to negotiate the roundabout ring and proceeded driving towards overcrowded Chileka Bus Stage, hitting three female pedestrians before ramming into eight stationary vehicles.
Due to the impact, pedestrian Mrs Teleza Paulo, aged 40 of Chemusa Village, Traditional Authority Machinjiri, Blantyre died on the spot while 14 others were rushed to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.
During the trial, Chitseko pleaded guilty to the charge of causing death by reckless driving and in his submission, the prosecutor asked the court to give a stiff punishment as a deterrent since such cases were on the increase along the roads within Chileka.
Passing the sentence, First Grade Magistrate George Chimombo concurred with the state and fined him K600, 000 of which K300, 000.00 would go to the relatives of the deceased for compensation.
Chitseko hails from Imedi village, in the area of Traditional Authority Mpama in Churadzulu District.
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