Mangochi Court to Proceed with DPP Governor Sanudi Sande’s Reckless Driving Case

The Mangochi Magistrate Court will tomorrow continue hearing the case of Sanudi Sande, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Governor for Mangochi Central, who is facing charges of reckless driving that allegedly resulted in injuries to four supporters of his political rival, Roza Mbilizi.

Sande is accused of committing the offense on December 8, 2024, the same day former President Peter Mutharika held political rallies in Mangochi and Balaka. The incident is linked to growing tensions within DPP as the party prepares for primary elections in the constituency.

Yesterday, Senior Magistrate Roy Kakutu ordered that the charge sheet be amended to reflect four separate counts of reckless driving instead of one, as required when multiple victims are involved.

However, during his testimony, Mangochi Traffic Police Officer Blessings Chitsulo stated that their investigations did not find any evidence linking Sande’s vehicle to the injuries sustained by the alleged victims.

This case is unfolding amid intensifying political divisions in DPP ahead of the party’s primaries, with reports suggesting deepening rivalry between supporters of Victoria Kingstone, the current MP, and Yusuf Fatch, another aspirant.