Mangochi Court Orders 3 To Pay Fine Of of K345,000 For Exceeding The Seating Capacity in Their Vehicles.

During court proceedings, Station Prosecution Officer (SPO) Inspector Amos Mwase narrated that on October 1, 2024, the three were intercepted at Mpale area along the Arthur Peter Mutharika Highway by Mrs. Chikondi Chingadza, Commissioner for South East Police Headquarters, who was in the district for official duties.

The drivers, who were operating their taxi businesses using Toyota Sienta vehicles with registration numbers MHG 6864, MHG 3943, and NN 1894, were traveling from Liwonde towards Mangochi Boma. Each driver was found carrying 9, 15, and 16 passengers, respectively, leading to their arrests.

Appearing in court, the three, who had been remanded for a week at Mangochi Prison, pleaded guilty to the charges and in mitigation, all convicts asked for leniency, citing family obligations.

In his submission, the SPO called for harsher punishments, stating that such practices contribute to the increasing number of road accidents in the district.

Passing the sentence, Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande agreed with the state and emphasized the importance of adhering to road traffic regulations.

Chande ordered Kabango to pay a sum of K100,000 fine, Daiman to pay K120,000 and Kabowa to pay K125,000 or face six months’ imprisonment with hard labor as a deterrent to other drivers. All three have since paid their fines in cash.

Kabango hails from Lawe Village, Traditional Authority Amidu in Balaka; Daiman is from Mtanga Village, Traditional Authority Chimwala in Mangochi; and Kabowa is from Changali Village, Traditional Authority Chimwala in Mangochi.