with hard labor to Joseph Osman, 42, for the dangerous practice of carrying passengers in an open-goods vehicle. Additionally, Osman has been fined K 200,000 for causing injuries through reckless driving.
State Prosecutor Sub Inspector Kesten Chimwala revealed that on September 6, 2024, Osman transported 40 passengers from Mangochi to Ntcheu.
While traveling on the Kasinje-Kandeu road, Osman lost control of his Nissan UD lorry, registration number NU 10138, due to over-speeding. The vehicle overturned, leading to serious injuries for some passengers and minor injuries for others.
Osman admitted guilt to charges of endangering public safety, in violation of Section 237 of the Penal Code, and causing serious injuries through reckless driving, contrary to Section 126 of the Road Traffic Act. In his defense, Osman pleaded for leniency, citing his role as the primary breadwinner for his family.
The State Prosecutor argued for a harsher penalty, highlighting the prevalent issue of drivers using open-goods vehicles and the frequent occurrence of such offenses both locally and nationally.
Magistrate Augustine Mizaya delivered the sentence, imposing six months of hard labor and a fine of K 200,000 as compensation to the accident victims.
Osman, who hails from Jogo Village in Traditional Authority (TA) Namkumba in Mangochi district, will serve his sentence while also contributing financially to those affected by his actions.
