Peter Mutharika’s driver escape jail, pays K200,000 fine

A driver for of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) acting president Peter Mutharika has escaped a six months jail term and paid K200,000  fine after being found guilty of driving his boss in a vehicle with a flashlight and carrying a public address system.

Section 110 of the Road Traffic Act of 1997 prohibits use of “excessive noise” such as public address systems on vehicles moving on public roads.

First Grade Magistrate for Ntchisi court Dorothy Kaluwa on Monday April 15 convicted Thomas Kanyoza, 33 and fined him  K200,000 or in default serve six months imprisonment with hard labour.

The driver who hails from Chilomo viillage, traditional authority Chimaliro in Thyolo district paid the fine.

He was arrested on 2nd April 2013 when the convoy of Mutharika was detained for about two hours after police impounded the party’s vehicle which was carrying the public address system DPP was using to address rallies in Ntchisi.

The driver was charged of unlawfully operating a vehicle registration number TO 5600 on a public road fitted with an adjusted spot lamp contrary to regulation 65 of road traffic .

He pleaded guilty to the charge.

Officer in charge for the prosecution department at National Police Headquarters Happy Mkandawire told the court that the vehicle which is a registered at the directorate of road traffic as a passenger’s vehicle had features contrary to the category.