The Lusaka High Court has fined a driver K2,500 or in default, serve six months simple imprisonment for causing the death of a police officer who led the convoy of United Nations World Tourism Organisation delegates last year.

Dismus Ng’andu had pleaded guilty to the charge before High Court judge Gertrude Chawatama.

Facts in this matter were that Ng’andu, on November 15, 2017 at around 15:00 hours, caused the death of Victor Ngoma while driving a GRZ Mercedes Benz along Haileselesie Avenue.

Ng’andu and Ngoma were part of the convoy ferrying the United Nations World Tourism Organisation delegates from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport to City Airport.

Ngoma was leading the convoy, riding a GRZ motor bike but Ng’andu’s failure to make a proper look out caused Ngoma to run into his motor vehicle.

Ngoma sustained injuries on impact and was rushed to UTH where he was pronounced dead.

In mitigation, Ng’andu, who was represented by lawyers from the Legal Aid Board, said he was remorseful for causing death of his friend.

He said he had learnt a lesson and he would be more careful and safety conscious whenever he was driving on Zambian roads.

Ng’andu said he would be haunted for the rest of his life knowing that he caused the death of his dear friend.

He said in an attempt to save Ngoma’s live, he assisted in taking him to the hospital and even reported himself to the police.

Ng’andu pleaded for the court’s leniency saying he was a first offender who readily pleaded guilty to the charge.

He asked the court to consider a fine as opposed to custodial sentence.

And delivering judgement, judge Chawatama took into consideration the mitigation but said the offence for which Ng’andu was charged was serious especially that a life was lost.

She urged him to be extra careful when driving.

Judge Chawatama added that the continued number of deaths being recorded on the roads were a source of concern.

She therefore fined him K2,500 to be paid immediately or serve six months simple imprisonment.