Reckless driver escape jail term for causing death, pays K300 000 fine
Balaka First Grade Magistrate Court has ordered a driver to pay K300 000 or spend 24 months in jail for causing death by reckless driving.
The court heard that on the night of 30 March, 2019, Madalo Lamosi, who was driving a Toyota Hiace from Chingeni direction to Ntcheu hit a cyclist at Chikondi Stop Over.
Balaka Police publicist Felix Misomali said Harrison Matola sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Balaka District Hospital where he died while receiving treatment.
“Police arrested the driver and charged him with a case of causing death by driving recklessly, contravening section 126 of Road Traffic Act,” Misomali said.
Lamosi pleaded guilty to the charge and the court convicted him.
Subsequently, First Grade Magistrate Felix Mandala ordered Lamosi to pay K300 000 or spend 24 months in prison. He paid the fine and avoided jail term.
The deceased hailed from Matola Village in Traditional Authority (TA) Sawali’s area in Balaka while Lamosi comes from Gowa Village in TA Njolomole’s area in Ntcheu District.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :
uzaziona ukazakhala ndi galimoto.
usually it’s the cyclists who cause the accidents but it’s the driver who is answerable.
This punishment is adequate but it depends on how an accident occurred.This adjective ‘reckless’ is usually used to describe any driver who get involved in an accident even if an accident would take place due to mistake done by the victim.Remember that whenever a person causes death by accidentally or unwillingly even GOD do not record that person as a siner because this is not criminality or planned killing , it might happen to anybody.
Honestly, that is not enough punishment. The relatives should sue that guy for wrongful death. Make him pay K5 million
Seems like you don’t own a vehicle, that fine is adequate, the relatives can claim that 5million or compensation from the reckless driver’s insurer.
Courts do pass minimal fines taking into account that the deceased’s relations have the right to claim compensation directly from the defendant or his insurer under civil suit