24/07/2025
*Driver fined K720,000 for causing excessive noise, suspended from driving for one year*
The Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court has convicted and ordered Allie John, 28, to pay a fine of K720,000 for violating road traffic regulations, contrary to Sections 110, 128, 18, and 11 of the Road Traffic Act.
The court heard from Prosecutor Inspector Grace Mindozo that since early June 2025, police had been receiving complaints from community members about loud noises resembling gunshots, which were causing fear among residents.
On June 25, 2025, while conducting a night patrol in the Soko area, officers heard what sounded like gunfire. They rushed to the source of the noise and discovered it was coming from a speeding motor vehicle heading towards Monkey Bay.
Police swiftly mounted an ad-hoc roadblock at Mogas and intercepted an unregistered Mazda pick-up being driven by the convict. He was found to be intoxicated and did not possess a driver’s licence. Further investigations revealed that he had deliberately modified the vehicle’s exhaust system to produce gunshot-like sounds.
In court, the convict pleaded guilty to all four charges, including causing excessive noise.
In mitigation, he apologized to the police and the community, asked for leniency, and expressed remorse for his reckless actions.
However, Inspector Mindozo urged the court to impose a stiffer sentence, emphasizing that the convict’s conduct had not only alarmed the public but also disrupted police operations.
Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande concurred with the state and imposed fines as follows: K180,000 for causing excessive noise, K180,000 for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances, K180,000 for driving without a licence, and K180,000 for operating an unregistered motor vehicle, bringing the total to K720,000, which he has since paid.
The court further suspended John from driving any motor vehicle on public or earth roads for a period of one year.
Allie John hails from Kalonga Village, Traditional Authority Mponda, in Mangochi.
*Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi*
*Public Relations Officer*
*Mangochi Police Station*