Driver fined MK300,000 for causing death of two young brothers

The Lilongwe First Grade Magistrate Court has fined Dyson Kaluluma, 42, K300, 000 or spend 11 months in prison for causing death of two young brothers due to reckless driving.

The court, on Wednesday, heard through State Prosecutor, Superintendent Patrick Chambuluka that on May 15 this year Kaluluma was driving a Toyota Probox BW 3824 on his way to a funeral ceremony in Mchinji.

“On his arrival at Kakhuyu Bridge, near Chileka Trading Centre, along Lilongwe-Mchinji road, he hit two boys who were riding a bicycle.

“The duo sustained serious injuries and one was pronounced dead on arrival at St. Gabriel Mission Hospital while the other died later at Kamuzu Central Hospital,””Chambuluka said.

Kaluluma admitted to have caused the deaths by reckless driving which is contrary to Section 126 of the Road Traffic Act. He showed remorse in court and apologized to the bereaved family.

The state, however, asked the court to impose a harsh penalty to send a warning to other reckless drivers.

Passing sentence, First Grade Magistrate Robert Botha agreed with the state and ordered Kaluluma to pay K300, 000 or in default serve 11 months in jail. He paid the fine to escape a jail term.

Kaluluma hails from Mayani Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Chiwere in Dowa while the deceased came from Chileka Village TA Kalolo in Lilongwe.

In a related development, Senior Resident Magistrate Eliya Zawanda has slapped a driver, Liston Blair, 32, with a K260, 000 fine for causing death of an eight-year-old boy.

The court, through State Prosecutor Inspector Isaac Lackson Banda, heard that Blair, on March 26, 2020 was cruising in his Mercedes Benz registration number LL 7900 along Lilongwe-Kasiya Road.

When he got to Mzumazi Trading Centre, he rammed into an eight-year-old pedestrian who was crossing from right to left.

Due to an impact, the victim sustained head injuries and was pronounced dead at ABC Clinic.

Blair confessed to have caused death by reckless driving and subsequently paid the fine.

Source:Mana