Reckless truck driver fined K300,000.00 for causing death

First Grade Magistrate Court in Mzimba on Wednesday convicted and sentenced a 47 year old man Benard Nyirenda of Restoration Logistics Limited to pay a fine of K300,000, for causing death by reckless driving in default to be behind bars for 24 months.

The court through State Prosecutor Assitant Superintendent Peter Piringu heard that the convict Bernard Nyirenda committed the traffic offence on July 17, 2022 at near Mzimba bridge along Jenda – Mzuzu M1 road where he caused death by reckless driving to a 54-year-old pedestrian Mdima Kalima who happened to be a fellow Truck driver who was waiting for a lift since his Truck run out of fuel.

The state prosecutor Piringu further told the court that the convict on this particular day was driving a motor vehicle registration number MZ 25554/RU 9573 Scania Truck from the direction of Jenda heading Mzuzu. Upon arrival at Mzimba bridge as he was descending the slope, Nyirenda realized late that there was a stationary vehicle which had a breakdown.

Nyirenda swerved to the near side dirty verge and the truck he was driving overturned. In the process he hit Kalima.

Due to the impact Kalima suffered head injuries and fractures on both legs. He died at Mzimba District Hospital upon arrival.

Appearing before court, the convict pleaded guilty to the charge of causing death by reckless driving.

In mitigation, Nyirenda asked the court for leniency, saying he felt sad that a fellow truck driver is no more. He further said he is the first time offender and also a bread winner as he is looking after an extended family.

However, in his submission, State Prosecutor Assistant Superintendent Peter Piringu asked the court to mete out a reasonable punishment to the offender, since there was a loss of one’s life.

Presiding over the case, First Grade Magistrate Radson Gamariel concurred with the prosecutor’s submission hence ordered him to pay a fine of K300,000. or in default serve 24 months imprisonment with hard labour. K250,000 to be treated as a compensation to the bereaved family.

He has since paid the fine.

Benard Nyirenda comes from Bolero Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Wasambo in Karonga District.