The Senior Resident Magistrate’s court in Lilongwe on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 sent Paul Chipapi, 37, to Maula Prison on ten days remand for the offences of causing death by reckless driving, and driving a motor vehicle under the influence of intoxicating liquor, contrary to sections 126(4), and 128 of Road Traffic Act, respectively.
The court heard that on May 12, 2024 at around 23:30 hours, the accused (Chipapi), was driving a motor vehicle Nissan Caravan Minbus, registration number NS 9149, from the direction of Chigwirizano heading towards Likuni.
However, upon arrival at Natural Resources College road junction, while under the influence of intoxicating liquor (alcohol), he encroached the offside lane of the road where he collided head-on with the on coming motorcycle that was being ridden by Peter Kaunda, who had a male pillion passenger, Pempherani Julius.
Following the collusion, the rider (Kaunda), and the passenger (Julius), sustained severe head injuries and they were all pronounced dead upon arrival at Likuni Mission Hospital.
The presiding Magistrate, Senior Resident Shukran Kumbani, remanded the driver to allow the State finalize its investigations into the fatal accident.
Chipapi will return in court on May 25, 2024 for commencement of full trail.
Paul Chipapi (accused), hails from Binoni Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Kachenga, Balaka, while the deceased Peter Kaunda, hailed from Mulima Village T/A Chikowi, Zomba, and Pempherani Julius hailed from Chiluzi Village, T/A Kasumbu in Dedza District.
