Mangochi First Grade Magistrate’s court on Friday, May 28, 2021, fined Edward Julio, to sum of K400, 000 in default 12 months imprisonment with hard labour for endangering safety of persons traveling by road.
Mangochi Police Deputy Public Relations Officer Amina Tepani Daudi says during court proceedings, Mangochi Police Prosecutor Sub Inspector Emmanuel Kambwiri told the court that, on the night of May 25, 2021 Julio who was driving a Hino Ranger 7-tonner registration number MH8400 was intercepted at Chingo area along Bakili Muluzi Highway by officers who were on night patrols along the said road.
According to Daudi, Prosecutor Kambwiri added that after searching the motor vehicle, officers discovered that the motor vehicle carried several bags of maize, 5 refrigerators, several traveling bags and 73 passengers who were on top of the goods.
Appearing in court, the accused pleaded guilty to the charge leveled against him. In mitigation, Julio asked for court leniency stating that he is a breadwinner for his family.However, prosecutor Kambwiri quashed his appeal, saying the accused exceeded the normal carrying capacity which put the lives of people at risk.
Passing judgement, First Grade Magistrate Mtunduwatha Mpasu concurred with the state and ordered him to pay K400,000 in default 12 months imprisonment with hard labour to deter other would be offenders. Meanwhile, Julio has paid the fine in cash. Edward Julio hails from Kwiputi Village, Traditional Authority Jalasi in Mangochi.
