K800,000.00 fine for causing death by negligent driving in Chitipa

The Chitipa First Grade Magistrate Court has convicted and Sentenced Grant Ng’ambi,24, to pay a fine of k800,000.000 for causing death by negligent driving in the District.

The Court heard through State Prosecutor Inspector James Kanyumbu that on June 13,2022 at 9:00 hours, the Convict caused the death of Pearson Kapira and three others at Jembya area along Chitipa-Nthalire Earth road (M9) by driving his motor vehicle negligently.

Kanyumbu further told the Court that on this day ,the Convict was driving a motor vehicle registration number BW 6051 Mitsubishi canter 3 tonner lorry from Nthalire to Chitipa with fifteen passengers on board and bags of ground nuts.when he reached at Jembya crescent,he failed to ascend and the motor vehicle moved backward and fell into nearside road and killed four people in the process and injured others.

When appeared in Court, the convict pleaded guilty to charges of Causing death by negligent driving and Endangering life of people traveling by road.

In mitigation,Ng’ambi asked for consideration to pay fine, saying that he was the first offender,young,has a wife and Children.

In his submission, Kanyumbu told the Court that though the Convict is a first offender the offences committed are common in the District and country wide.He further told the Court that four lives were lost and that the motor vehicle he was driving has a third party insurance (means no compensation to the bereaved families). Therefore,he prayed for a meaningful sentences.

When passing judgement, Magistrate Billy Ngosi concurred with the State and Sentenced the Convict to pay a fine of k200,000.00 for each death caused and the fines be given to bereaved families as compensation.He further ordered the Convict to serve 12 month jail term but suspended to not drive any motor vehicle for the period of three months saying he has considered him because of his age.

Causing death by negligent driving contravenes section 126,(4)c of the Road Traffic Act and Endangering life of persons traveling by road contravenes section 237 of the penal code.

Grant Ng’ambi,24, hails from Kasyololo village in the area of Traditional Authority Mwenewenya in Chitipa district.