A Mother’s woes: Masangwi pleads guilty, pays K50,000 fine for causing death by reckless driving

Academician Salule Masangwi, brother to dodgy ruling Democratic Progressive Party MP Noel Masangwi, walked away with a slap on the wrist after pleading guilty to manslaughter and causing death by reckless and dangerous driving.

Masangwi, who is Associate Professor at the Polytechnic, a constituent college of the University of Malawi in Blantyre, killed Amerco Peter Langford, 26, at around 9.30 pm on 2 April 2016 as his out of control overspeeding Toyota Carina ploughed into the youngman at Chisangalalo Turn-off next to Manase Police Station along the Blantyre-Chikhwawa road.

He was charged in court and convicted after pleading guilty to the  charge, contrary to section 126 (c) of the Road Traffic Act.

He, however, walked away scot free, only ordered to pay a meagre MK50,000 to the victim’s family.

The family of Peter, as the victim was commonly known in the social circles,  has behaved with tremendous dignity and courage throughout this ordeal, despite having to face the details of the last moments of their beloved son and the apathetic attitude of Masangwi who has not made an effort to even meet them to express remorse and offer condolences of any sort as one would expect under the Malawian culture.

His mother, Heather Langford, is finding solace in her deep religious convictions.

Speaking exclusively to Nyasa Times, she said that her beloved son was prematurely taken away from his family.

“After the conviction of Mr Masangwi, police officials advised me not to worry, saying that I may now claim from Prime Insurance Company as his vehicle was covered,” she said.

However, there has been no communication from the company despite assurances from the police.

Prime Insurance belongs to Kapote Mwakasungula and the Board Chairman is a Mr. Mbale.

According to many claimants, the company takes very long to settle claims and in this case where a politically connected individual is involved, it is yet to be seen if Peter Langford’s family  will be duly compensated.

“My Son, well known by the name Peter was an innocent well loved young man born on the 28th of May 1990. He had a whole future ahead of him. He loved cooking, playing tennis and had an amazing personality. He loved everyone irrelevant of colour, creed or race. My cries are that; is a criminal offence such as this so minute that a life lost will not require the justice it should deserve? Was my son Peter not well known enough to enjoy his life? My friends and all of you that have to endure this kind of pain specifically enhanced with injustice because you are not well known or powerful enough in society, trust me, like myself, we can cry blood, these criminal offences will be well swept under the carpet while the perpetrators enjoy their lives. Peter my Son, may God comfort you as there is justice where you are. Rest in peace till we meet”, cried Mrs Langford when visited by Nyasa Times.

Francisco Longford a brother to the deceased added: “My brother was a well known and well loved person. Upon meeting any stranger, he would endeavour to make that person feel happy and welcome. I will miss my brother terribly, and am saddened by how little the justice system of Malawi cares about the life of the citizens it is meant to protect .”

This is not the first time that the Masangwi  brothers to have made news in relation to causing death.

Noel Masangwi, the MP and younger brother to the culprit, once described by President Peter Mutharika as a “smuggler” in a leaked tape was arrested in October 2012 in connection with the murder of Polytechnic student political activist  Robert Chasowa in September 2011.

Chasowa was a strong critic of the then intolerant regime of late President Bingu wa Mutharika, elder brother to the current president. Despite strong evidence and a Commission of Enquiry ruling that Robert was killed, no one has been brought to justice and the case has stalled.

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