Phalombe man fined for causing death

The Phalombe First Grade Magistrate’s Court has imposed a K700,000 fine on 34-year-old Grecium Liyapa for causing death through reckless and negligent riding.

According to testimony from State Prosecutor Sub-Inspector Maurice Walumbe, on the early morning of September 28, 2026, Cosmas Toto, who has since died, was operating an unregistered motorcycle traveling from Phalombe toward Mpata on the Phalombe-Mpata tarmac road.

As he approached Ngandanga Village near the Forest Reserve Gate, Toto’s motorcycle collided directly with an unregistered Lifan motorcycle operated by Liyapa, who was traveling in the opposite direction.

The court learned that Liyapa had timber logs secured across his motorcycle, which became entangled with Toto during the collision.

Toto suffered critical injuries in the accident and subsequently passed away while undergoing medical care at Rev. John Chilembwe Hospital.

When presented before First Grade Magistrate Leonard Mtosa, Liyapa admitted guilt and requested the court’s compassion, citing his status as a first-time offender with family obligations.

During his argument, Walumbe recommended that the court impose a more severe penalty to discourage potential offenders.

In his ruling, Magistrate Mtosa agreed with the prosecution and sentenced Liyapa to pay K700,000, with the alternative of serving 18 months in prison with hard labor.