A 42-year-old Yowasi Langison who hails from Kamuuzeni village, Traditional Authority Kachere in Dedza district has been convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment with hard labour by the Dedza Senior Resident Magistrate Court for causing deaths of six people and injuries by reckless driving.

Public Relations Officer for Dedza police station sergeant Beatrice Jefita has confirmed of the development indicating that State prosecutor, Sergeant Wilfred Khuniwa narrated to the court that on the night of July 7th, 2024 Langison was driving a motor vehicle registration number DZ6066 from the direction of Chimbiya towards Dedza with several passengers on board.

“Upon arrival at Kalinyeke, he collided on side with a stationary motor vehicle registration number KU 10605 which was going towards Dedza direction and due to the impact, the victims sustained severe head injuries and died upon arrival at Dedza District Hospital,” Jefita said.

The convict was charged with 13 counts but he pleaded guilty to 12 counts of causing death and injuries by reckless driving hence prayed for leniency saying that he is a first offender and a breadwinner to his family.

But prosecutor Khuniwa in his submission, prayed for a stiffer sentence stating that six lives were lost and other people suffered different degrees of injuries.

“Senior Resident Magistrate James Mankhwazi concurred with the state, stating that the offences committed are punishable with fines but assessed that the convict has no capacity to pay adequate fines that would reflect the seriousness of the offences,” she revealed.

Mankhwazi then slapped Langison with a one-year imprisonment with hard labour to deter other would be offenders.