A 28-year-old Zimbabwean national identified as Tinashe Sheren, has paid a fine of K1 million for causing death of a 11-year-old boy after being ordered by the Chikwawa Magistrate Court.
Public Relations Officer for Chikwawa Police Station Sergeant Dickson Matemba has told us that the court through state prosecutor, Sub Inspector Danford Otala heard that Sheren on 8th September, 2023 was driving a uninsured motor vehicle registration number AFN 0396 Toyota Hilux which was being driven from the direction of Maseya heading to Dyeratu Trading Centre.
Matemba said: “upon arrival at Kasinthula Mosque due to overspeeding, he hit a pedal cyclist who was going the same direction who had a pillion passenger Alexander Masina, 11, of Salumeji village, Traditional Authority Katunga in Chikwawa who was a learner at Namalindi Primary School who died on the spot.”
According to Matemba, the convict pleaded guilty for two counts of operating a motor vehicle with an expired insurance and causing death by reckless or negligent driving where in his submission, Sub Inspector Otala prayed for a harsh sentence considering the consequences of driving expired insurance vehicle.
“But Sheren, asked for leniency citing that he is a first offender and pleaded for fine instead of custodial sentence,” Matemba revealed.
In his judgement, First Grade Magistrate Joram Zebron concurred with the state and sentenced the driver to pay K500,000 for the first count or in default 15 months imprisonment with hard labour and another K500,000 for the second count and in default 13 months imprisonment with hard labour.
