The Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court has convicted and ordered 50-year-old Sinoya Witman to pay a fine of K900,000 for causing the deaths of five minors by reckless driving.
During court proceedings, the Eastern Regional Prosecution Inspector, Patrick Chipote, narrated that on March 8, 2024, Witman was driving a 15-ton truck, registration number SA 6421ERF, from the direction of Namwera towards Mangochi, loaded with 350 bags of maize flour belonging to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA).
Upon arrival at Chowe village while descending Chowe hills, the driver lost control of the truck and swerved to the extreme offside of the road, hitting five minors (aged 6-12 years) who were plucking Mpinimbi fruits, after the vehicle developed brake failure. The truck overturned twice before coming to a halt.
Prosecutor Chipote added that due to the impact, all the victims sustained various degrees of injuries and died upon arrival at Mangochi District Hospital.
Appearing in court, the convict, who pleaded guilty to all five counts of causing death by reckless driving, asked for leniency, citing that his boss had played a significant role in the funeral arrangements and burials of the deceased.
In his submission, Prosecutor Chipote reminded the court that the convict was fully aware of the engine brake fault and that his reckless driving cost innocent lives, hence he prayed for custodial sentences.
Passing sentence, Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande concurred with the state.
He ordered Witman to pay a sum of K180,000 for each count of reckless driving, totaling K900,000 in default one year imprisonment with hard labour. Chande further instructed that each bereaved family to receive a sum of K130,000 as compensation.
Meanwhile, Witman has paid the whole amount in cash.
He hails from Chigonthi village, Traditional Authority Chitukula, in Lilongwe.
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