Speeding BMW driver admits endangering chief justice Mumba Malila’s life
A Zambia Revenue Authority examinations officer who was behind the wheel of the speeding car that rammed into the official vehicle of country’s chief justice, has admitted to endangering the life of justice Mumba Malila and other road users.
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Philemon Dyamini explained that he did not intentionally hit into justice Malila’s Mercedes Benz as his car breaks failed on the motorway.
The 35- year old of house no. 11572/M Lilayi Road, is charged with two counts of dangerous driving contrary to Section 155(1) of the Road Traffic Act No. 11 of 2002 of the Laws of Zambia and Failing to change ownership of a motor vehicle contrary to Section 13 of the The Road Traffic Act No.11 of 2002 of the Laws of Zambia.
According to the particulars of offenses in the first count are that, Dyamini August 30, 2024
drove a BMW registration no. BAP 3706 on independence avenue a public road at a speed in a manner that was dangerous to the public and other road users having regard to all the circumstances of the case, condition, use of the road and amount of traffic which was reasonably expected to be on the said road, lost control of the motor vehicle due to excessive speed and endangered other road users.
In the second count it is alleged that Dyamini on August 30, 2024 drove a BMW registration no.BAP 3706 on independence road a public road when he failed to effect change of ownerhip of the said motor vehicle.
Appearing before magistrate Maloto Phiri, in the fast track court, Dyamini pleaded guilty to the charges.
He said he drove the car dangerously after the breaks failed and he was not aware that they had malfunctioned.
When asked if he had documents to show that his vehicle had a fault, Dyamini denied.
“I was not aware that the breaks would fail, it was not intentional.I take responsibility for change of ownership, it (the car)had been parked for a while,”Dyamini said.
Public prosecutor Victoria Mtonga requested that the matter be adjourned to today, for facts and sentencing.
Magistrate Phiri granted the adjournment.
Justice Malila sustained a fractured leg and other injuries, after his official vehicle was extensively damaged.
His driver Newton Ndhlovu also sustained injuries, prompting government to evacuate them both to South Africa for further medical care.
The chief justice is currently recuperating from the effects of the accident.
By Mwaka Ndawa
Kalemba October 16, 2024.