By Shaffie A Mtambo
Two people have lost their lives in separate road accidents on Valentine’s Eve along the Mangochi-Monkey Bay and Arthur Peter Mutharika roads respectively.
Speaking with 247 Malawi News,Mangochi Police officer Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi,says the first accident occurred around 6 PM at Namiyasi, claiming the life of a 53-year-old motorcyclist, Yusuf Ajalu.
The second incident happened minutes later at Nzingo Trading Centre, where a 6-year-old pedestrian, Patuma Elias, was fatally injured.
Ajalu was riding an unregistered San LG motorcycle with his 7-year-old son as a pillion passenger from Monkey-bay towards Mangochi.
Upon arrival at Namiyasi, he abruptly turned right to join a subsidiary earth road without signaling.
At that moment, a Toyota Quantum minibus registration BY 5412, driven by 37-year-old Samuel Bwino, was overtaking the said motorcycle and promptly collided with it.
Ajalu suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Mangochi District Hospital. His son is receiving treatment at the health facility for fractures in both legs and a deep cut on the forehead.
In the second accident, 6-year-old Patuma Elias was hit by a Nissan Hard Body pickup registration BQ 6842 driven by Chichiri Kahumbe, 45, who was overspeeding from Liwonde towards Mangochi.
The incident occurred at Nzingo Trading Centre as the minor was crossing from right to left side of the road.
Due to the impact she sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to Ukalanga Health Centre before being referred to Mangochi District Hospital, where she later died while receiving treatment.
Following these tragic incidents, Mangochi Police have urged all road users to adhere to safety regulations and exercise caution to prevent similar accidents.
Ajalu hailed from Nkungumbe Village, Traditional Authority Mponda, while Patuma was from Mtambo Village, Traditional Authority Chimwala—both in Mangochi District.
