The Chipata High Court has fined Mukuka Mumba, wife of former Petauke Central Member of Parliament Emmanuel Jay Banda, K6,000 for causing death by dangerous driving.
Presiding over the case, Chipata Resident Judge Mercy Makubalo imposed the fine after Mumba pleaded guilty to the charge. Judge Makubalo ruled that the fine must be paid immediately or, in default, she would serve six months in prison. Additionally, Mumba’s driver’s license has been suspended for six months.
According to State Advocate Yvonne Nachande, Mumba, a resident of Ibex Hill in Lusaka, was responsible for the death of five-year-old Blessings Chanda in Chipata’s Madzimoyo area on June 1, 2022. The court heard that while driving a Range Rover (registration BAR 3626) at excessive speed, Mumba lost control of the vehicle and struck the child, who had already crossed the road.
In mitigation, Legal Aid Counsel Fidelis Mwauluka argued that Mumba was a first-time offender who readily pleaded guilty. As an expression of remorse, she contributed K6,000 toward the funeral and later provided K20,000 to support the bereaved family.
However, Judge Makubalo noted that the vehicle lacked insurance and road tax—factors that aggravated the offense. She emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic laws, warning that disregard for regulations leads to disorder.
The ruling underscores the court’s stance on road safety and accountability, particularly in cases of reckless driving.
She got off light; dangerous driving causing death while without insurance and road tax must be a very serious offence.
The judgement was very subjective. K6 000, can never be and will never be a deterrent for such offence. The South African gospel singer Jub Jub committed a similar offence and went in for 6 years. I am cognisant of the difference in laws between the two countries but K6 000 was not it.
Indeed a light verdict but maybe circumstances allowed such a verdict against this lady
WHY show a pic of Jay Banda his wife is a separate entity
The chameleon was released to Munda Wanga. The witnesses are refusing to testify in the witchcraft case. JeyJey’s Eastern juju for Mumba Mukula must be stronger than that of Weengwa’s South. Battle of spirits.
Serious case, very serious but the judicial process is insulting the Zambians by showing us that she’s above the law.
I wonder how the judicial or anyone at that would have reacted if it had been their child?
While nothing will bring the child back, her licence should be suspended for life. She has total disregard for the law. How on earth do you drive an unregistered car with no insurance?!? And at full speed?!?
Mtchew Zambia, your enforcing of the law is kuwawaya fye!
What a cheap fine! For all those offences. And loss of life!
Why is there so many road accidents involving both private and public service vehicles as shown by road accident statics?
No car tax, no insurance, a death of a child by dangerous driving. Fined the equivalent of £200! The corruption shows no bounds. God help us.
The judgment is very bad for the victim. It appears to me that Mrs. J.J was driving beyond speed limit for the car to go off the road and kill an innocent child. The driving license must be permanently revoked and the fact that she does not have insurance for the victims to benefit in a way, a huge fine was supposed to be imposed. Its a terrible loss for the victims, seems like the victim has been devalued .This judgement is what is called a “sweet heart” decision. A life has been lost and cannot be replaced.Compounds are full of kids walking,what speed was she moving on?