Minibus driver fined K50 000 for reckless driving after causing death

The Blantyre First Grade Magistrate Court Thursday convicted and sentenced a min bus driver to MK50 000 fine in default serve six months imprisonment with hard labour for causing death by reckless driving.

Accused Christopher Ntengula 34 of Mtambo village T/A Mulumbe in Zomba, on December 10th 2017 was driving a motor vehicle Registration number NE 4392 Mazda Bongo min bus with 15 passengers(football players) on board from Manase township to Nankumba School ground along Chazunda-Mpemba road in Blantyre.

Upon arrival at St. Vincent Parish and due to over speeding, he hit a young male pedestrian Praise Khwethemule 3 of Kambalame village T/A Nsomba in Blantyre who was crossing the road from the right to the left side.

Due to the impact, victim sustained multiple cut wounds in the head. He was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Postmortem revealed he died of severe head injuries.

Appearing before her worship Dianna Mangwana at the Blantyre Magistrates Court on Thursday 14th December, 2017,  Christopher Ntengula was found guilty and convicted.

Passing the sentence, First Grade Magistrate Dianna Mangwana observed with concern that the accused  had a responsibility to exercise caution and a duty to protect other road users.

She said much as he was a first offender, the court saw it necessary to convict and sentence the accused to pay MK50,000 fine in default 6 months imprisonment with hard labour in order to deter would be offenders.

Meanwhile, the accused has since paid the fine and walked home free.