The Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court on February 12, 2026, convicted and fined a 31-year-old driver, Jimmy Chitalo K1,150,000(One million, one hundred and fifty thousand kwacha) for causing death by reckless driving.
During court proceedings, Prosecutor Inspector Grace Mindozo told the court that on the evening of May 2, 2025, the convict was driving a Toyota Sienta, registration number MJ 9015, from Namwera towards Chiponde with two passengers on board.
Upon arrival at Chiutula village, Chitalo lost control of the vehicle due to excessive speeding. The vehicle swerved to the offside of the road and hit a male motorcyclist who was heading the same direction. The motorcyclist had a female pillion passenger carrying a five-year-old boy on her back.
Inspector Mindozo further informed the court that the motorcyclist sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to Namwera Health Centre, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The woman and the child sustained various degrees of injuries and were later referred to Mangochi District Hospital for further treatment.
The driver fled the scene and abandoned the motor vehicle but was arrested in January 2026.
Appearing before the court, Chitalo pleaded guilty to all five counts and asked for leniency, stating that his family would suffer if he was sent to prison.
In her submission, Inspector Mindozo reminded the court that the convict was fully aware of traffic regulations, and that after causing the fatal accident he fled the scene without rendering assistance to the victims, showing disregard for human life. She therefore prayed for a stiffer sentence.
In his ruling, Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande concurred with the State. He ordered Chitalo to pay K550,000 for causing death by reckless driving, K150,000 for driving without a driver’s licence, K150,000 for failing to report the accident to police within 24 hours, K150,000 for failing to ascertain the nature and extent of injuries sustained, and another K150,000 for failing to render assistance to victims of a road accident, bringing the total fine to K1,150,000-00 or, in default, to serve three years’ imprisonment with hard labour.
Additionally, the court directed that the bereaved family receive K1 million as compensation. Chitalo has since paid the full amount in cash.
He hails from Chiwina Village, Traditional Authority Jalasi, in Mangochi District.
lnspector Amina Tepani Daudi
Public Relations Officer
Mangochi Police Station
Cell: 0999-706-525
Email: amina.tepani@police.gov.mw
Website: www.police.gov.mw