Driver fined for causing death in Dowa

By Mphatso M’bang’ombe……

The First Grade Magistrate’s Court, sitting at Mponela in Dowa, has convicted and sentenced a 46-year-old driver, Louis Chikanya, to pay a fine of K350,000.00 or in default serve 12 months imprisonment with hard labour for causing death by reckless driving.

Mponela Police Public Relations Officer, Mc Patson Msadala says the court heard that on June 7, 2023 at around 17:30 hours at Nkhamanga Trading Centre, Chikanya was driving a Toyota Axio registration number BY 1546 from the direction of Kasungu heading Lilongwe along M1 road.

Upon arrival at Nkhamanga Trading Centre, Chikanya hit a young pedestrian, Tadala Edson aged 8, as he was crosing the road.

Edison died upon arrival at Mponela Rural Hospital due to severe head injuries.

Appearing before court, Chikanya pleaded guilty to the charge of causing death by reckless driving, contrary to Section 126 (4C) of the Road Traffic Act.

First Grade Magistrate Talakwanji M’ndala passed his sentence, ordering that of paid, K250,000.00 should be treated as compensation to the bereaved family.

He has since paid the money.

According to Mponela PRO, Louis Chikanya comes from Sitolo Village in the area of Traditional Authority Mulonyeni in Mchinji District.