The Nkhunga First Grade Magistrate Court in Nkhotakota on has, convicted and sentenced Tendayi Mbewe, 33, to pay a fine of K100,000 for violating Section 249 of the Penal Code.
Public Relations Officer for Nkhunga Police station, Andrew Kamanga has confirmed the development and identified the convict as Tendayi Mbewe.
State prosecutor Sub Inspector Mickeas Chatsira informed the court that on August 10, 2024, at around 3:00 PM, Tendayi Mbewe was driving a Benz truck with the registration number NU 6932/MZ 996 from Dwangwa toward Nkhotakota Boma.
Mbewe was carrying approximately 100 passengers on the flat deck of the trailer, commonly known as “slippers,” thereby endangering their safety.
Mbewe was stopped and arrested at the Liwalazi Road Block.
In court, the suspect pleaded guilty.
Presenting the facts, Sub Inspector Chatsira urged the court to impose a harsh penalty on Mbewe for his deliberate and reckless actions, which could have resulted in a tragic loss of lives.
Despite Mbewe’s admission of guilt at the time of his arrest, his actions demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law and its enforcement.
First Grade Magistrate Kingsley Buleya, agreeing with the state’s arguments, convicted Mbewe and sentenced him to pay a fine of K100,000. In default, Mbewe would serve 12 months of imprisonment with hard labor.
Mbewe has since paid the fine and has been released.
Tendayi Kachilende Mbewe hails from Nazombe, Traditional Authority Kapeni, in Blantyre District.
