Mangochi court convicts matola drivers

Mangochi Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday ordered seven drivers to pay K200 000 each or in default serve three years imprisonment for endangering the safety of persons travelling on a public road.

The crime is contrary to Section 237 of the Penal Code.

Before passing the sentence, first grade magistrate Ronald M’bwana observed that road accidents were rampant in the district claiming lives of people who could have contributed to the development of the country.

“It is sad that our roads have suddenly turned into death traps where innocent souls are being lost,” he said.

M’bwana said the court arrived at the punishment to deter other drivers from committing similar acts.

Mangochi Police Station prosecutor Efford Kamphonje told the court that on December 30, officers arrested the seven drivers at Maldeco Trading Centre along the Mangochi – Monkey Bay Road driving open vehicles with several passengers on board.

In mitigation, the drivers asked for clemency saying they looked after families. n