Driver Fined K150,000 for Causing Death by Reckless Driving

The Nsanje First Grade Magistrate’s Court has ordered 21-year-old Haswell Cholomali to pay a fine of K150,000 for causing the death of Maliyana Maseseto through reckless driving.

Nsanje Police spokesperson Jabulani Ng’oma said state prosecutor Gladstone Kanyezi told the court that Cholomali lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid hitting cattle, causing it to overturn several times at Lalanje Bridge on April 5.

Appearing in court, Cholomali pleaded guilty. Prosecutor Kanyezi asked the court to impose a stiff sentence, noting that such incidents are becoming increasingly common in the country.

In his ruling, First Grade Magistrate Watson Mankhanamba ordered Cholomali to pay K150,000, with K130,000 to be given to the bereaved family as compensation and K20,000 to the government. In default, he will serve 18 months in prison.

Cholomali comes from Kamchewere Village under Traditional Authority Mfumu Masache in Chikwawa District.