Court fines ‘reckless’ drivers for killing cyclist

The Mzuzu Magistrate Court has fined two drivers MK 200,000 and MK150,000 respectively after they pleaded guilty for causing the death of a 'Sacramento' Cyclist on the Chibanja main road from Mzuzu to Karonga early this month.

First Grade Magistrate Anthony Banda agreed with the state that the convicts, Clement Nyirongo, 27 and William Mlotha, 52 that they deserved a meaningful sentence but exercised extreme leniency based on mitigating factors the duo brought forward.

Banda has since given the duo 90 days to source the money. They are currently on court bail.

State prosecutor Betty Msowoya had earlier asked the court to mete a stiff sentence arguing that many 'Sacramento' drivers were losing their lives on that stretch of the road.

But in Mitigation the duo asked the court for lenience saying they had family responsibilities while Nyirongo added that he was still young to spend his productive years in gaols.

The court that on September 5th, 2011, Nyirongo was driving a Toyota Corolla registration number BL 3380 and was heading towards Luwinga and on arrival at Lodge Degaj, he hit Madalitso Mlotha but he did not stop.

Another vehicle, a Nissan Light Lorry registration number MZ 3717, which William Mlotha was driving later run over the body of Mlotha killing him instantly.

Both drivers were charged with causing death by reckless driving but Nyirongo was additionally charged with failing to stop after an accident and failing to render support to an injured person.

Nyasa Times 29 Sep, 2011

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Source: http://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi/2011/09/29/court-fines-%e2%80%98reckless%e2%80%99-drivers-for-killing-cyclist/
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