Driver Fined K720,000 for Causing Gunshot-Like Noise, Banned from Driving for One Year In Mangochi
Published on July 24, 2025 at 4:45 PM by Evance Kapito
The Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court in Mangochi has convicted and fined a 28-year-old man, Allie John, a total of K720,000 for multiple road traffic offences, including causing excessive noise using a modified vehicle that alarmed residents and disrupted police operations.
According to Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, Public Relations Officer for Mangochi Police Station, the convict had deliberately altered the exhaust system of his Mazda pick-up to produce loud backfires that resembled gunshots.
Inspector Daudi said that since early June 2025, Mangochi Police had been receiving reports from the community in the Soko area about disturbing sounds, which many mistook for gunfire. The reports prompted increased night patrols by law enforcement.
On June 25, during one of the patrols, police heard the gunshot-like noise and traced it to a speeding motor vehicle heading toward Monkey Bay. Officers quickly mounted a checkpoint at Mogas and intercepted the unregistered pick-up being driven by John. He was found to be intoxicated, unlicensed, and operating an unregistered vehicle.
He was arrested and charged with four offences under the Road Traffic Act:
Causing excessive noise
Driving under the influence of alcohol
Driving without a valid licence
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle
In court, John pleaded guilty to all the charges. Despite apologizing and requesting leniency, the prosecution—led by Inspector Grace Mindozo urged the court to impose a stiffer sentence due to the public fear caused and the obstruction to police work.
Presiding Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande agreed with the prosecution and imposed K180,000 for each charge, totaling K720,000, which John has since paid. In addition, the court suspended his driving privileges for one year, barring him from operating any motor vehicle on public or earth roads.
Allie John hails from Kalonga Village, Traditional Authority Mponda, in Mangochi District.
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