Court Slapped Mechanic 2 Years Imprisonment For Injuring Traffic Police Officer in Mangochi

The court heard through Prosecutor Inspector Shadreck Wisiki that, the incident occurred on July 25, 2023, when Saidi’s girlfriend was stopped by a team of traffic police officers, including Kabango while driving a Toyota Passo with registration number MN6001 at Villa Tafika Roundabout. Upon inspection, it was found that she had no driver’s license, and the uninsured vehicle had no Certificate Of Fitness (COF). Instead of paying fines, she called Saidi, who arrived shortly after.

Saidi became uncooperative, insulted the officers, and obstructed them from taking the vehicle to the station when fines couldn’t be paid. Despite the officers managing to bring the vehicle to the station, Saidi unexpectedly started the engine a few minutes later, despite the keys being confiscated, and intentionally hit Kabango, who was at the main gate, while reversing. Kabango fell, and the gate collapsed on him.

Prosecutor Wisiki added that, Saidi fled the scene, but crashed into a tree on Mtalimanja Earth-road, abandoning the vehicle. He was apprehended at Municipal Hall, while Kabango was rushed to Mangochi District Hospital with multiple bruises on his right arm.

In court, Saidi who was represented by Counsel Smart Khalifa, pleaded not guilty prompting the state to parade six witnesses who proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.

In mitigation, Saidi pleaded for leniency, citing that he was a first-time offender. Prosecutor Wisiki countered saying Saidi’s actions cannot be tolerated and he posed potential danger to innocent lives hence pleaded for a custodial sentence.

Passing sentence Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande concurred with the state, sentencing him to two and half years(30 months) imprisonment with hard labor as a deterrent to potential offenders.