By Shaffie A Mtambo
A devastating incident in Mangochi has led to a 26-year-old driver, Patrick Buleya, being fined K1.2 million for causing death by reckless driving.
Speaking with 247 Malawi News Mangochi Police Public Relations Officer Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi,says on March 5, 2025, Buleya, a laboratory technician at Ntcheu District Hospital, was driving from Liwonde to Mangochi Boma when he lost control of his vehicle due to excessive speeding.
The vehicle swerved and hit a male cyclist, who had a female pillion passenger carrying a two-year-old baby boy.
The cyclist sustained severe head injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Ukalanga Health Centre.
The mother and baby also succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at Mangochi District Hospital.
Buleya pleaded guilty to three counts of causing death by reckless driving and appealed for leniency, citing his role as a health worker and the potential suffering of his pregnant wife if he were imprisoned.
However, Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande ordered Buleya to pay K400,000 for each count, totaling K1.2 million, or serve three years in prison with hard labor.
Buleya paid the fine in full and was also directed to compensate for each bereaved family with K300,000.
He hails from Nyangwa Village, Traditional Authority Kalembo in Balaka district.
