Police in Balaka have apprehended a 37-year-old driver, Henry Kajawa, on charges of causing death by reckless driving.
The arrest follows a tragic incident that occurred on Sunday afternoon, April 7, 2024, at Kwitanda Area along the Kwitanda-Chiyendausiku Earth Road.
According to reports from the Balaka Police, Kajawa was operating a motor vehicle registered under number NU 6964, carrying passengers, when the incident took place.
Eyewitnesses stated that due to excessive speeding, Kajawa lost control of the vehicle, ultimately colliding with a female pedal cyclist, Shamilu Kasimu, who was accompanied by another female pillion passenger, Olivia Soko, aged 34.
As a result of the collision, Olivia Soko sustained critical injuries, including a fracture to her right hip and internal injuries. Tragically, she was pronounced dead upon arrival at Balaka District Hospital. Shamilu Kasimu, the pedal cyclist, sustained minor injuries in the accident.
Inspector Gladson M’bumpha, the Public Relations Officer for Balaka Police Station, issued a statement regarding the incident, stating, “The driver, Henry Kajawa, has been arrested and will face charges of causing death by reckless driving and driving a motor vehicle without a certificate of insurance, contravening the Road Traffic Act.”
Kajawa, who hails from Kasambo Village in Traditional Authority Njolomole, Ntcheu District, is expected to appear in court soon to answer for his alleged offenses.
In a related development, another driver, 38-year-old Luka Dzombe of Kansonga Village in Traditional Authority Malenga, Ntchisi District, has also been arrested for causing death by reckless driving.
Dzombe was apprehended following an incident on March 28, 2024, in which he fled the scene after colliding with Agriculture Extension Development Officer Albert Patrick Kalambo, who was working under the Balaka District Agriculture Office.
“Luka Dzombe will similarly face charges of causing death by reckless driving and failing to report the accident within 24 hours,” Inspector M’bumpha added.
Authorities urge all drivers to adhere to road safety regulations and exercise caution while driving to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.
