The Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s court on March 20, 2025, convicted and ordered 26-year-old driver, Patrick Buleya, a Laboratory Technician at Ntcheu District Hospital to pay a fine of K1.2 million for causing death due to reckless driving.
During court proceedings, Station Prosecution Officer (SPO) Inspector Amos Mwase told the court that on March 5, 2025, Buleya was driving a Honda Life Saloon, registration number MH 8587, from Liwonde towards Mangochi Boma.
Upon arrival at Chimwala area, he lost control of the vehicle due to excessive speeding, causing it to swerve to the nearside of the road, where it hit a male cyclist heading in the same direction. The cyclist had a female pillion passenger carrying a two-year-old baby boy on her back.
Prosecutor Mwase further stated that due to the impact, the cyclist sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to Ukalanga Health Centre, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The mother and her baby who also suffered severe head injuries and were referred to Mangochi District Hospital, succumbed while receiving treatment.
Appearing in court, Buleya pleaded guilty to all three counts of causing death by reckless driving and pleaded for leniency. He cited his role to the community, emphasizing on the services he renders as a health worker. He also mentioned that his pregnant wife would suffer if he was sent to prison.
In his submission, SPO Mwase reminded the court that the convict was fully aware of traffic regulations and that his reckless driving had cost innocent lives. He, therefore, prayed for stiffer sentences.
In his ruling, Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande concurred with the state. He ordered Buleya to pay K400,000 for each count of reckless driving, totaling K1.2 million, or in default, serve three years of imprisonment with hard labor. Additionally, Chande directed that each bereaved family receive K300,000 as compensation.
Buleya has since paid the full amount in cash.
He hails from Nyangwa Village, Traditional Authority Kalembo in Balaka district.
Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi
Public Relations Officer
Mangochi Police Station
Cell: 0999-706-525
Email: amina.tepani@police.gov.mw
Website: www.police.gov.mw