The court heard from Chikwawa Police Station, Prosecutor, Assistant superintendent Helix Kamkweche who narrated the incident of July 6 that resulted in the death of three people.

"On this day, Makombe was driving a fuel tanker registration number NA7269/BN 6622 from the direction of Chikwawa Boma heading Dyeratu Trading center.

“However, upon arrival at Chikwawa FDH bank due to over speeding he hit a pedal cyclist who had two pillion passengers; a mother and her son who were going the same direction," Kamkweche told the court.

The station prosecutor further said both the mother and child died on the spot whilst the pedal cyclist died upon reaching the district hospital.

Appearing before the court, Makombe pleaded guilty to the count of causing death by reckless driving contrary to section 126(4c) of the Road Traffic act.

The State prosecutor in his submission urged for stiff punishment for the driver so as to set an example to others who pay a deaf eye to other road users.

However, Makonde in his mitigation asked the court to be lenient in its ruling citing that he is the breadwinner and added that he supported the bereaved families financially and also mourned with them.

In his ruling, First Grade Magistrate Gladstone Chilundu concurred with the state and ordered the truck driver to pay a fine of K500, 000 for each lost life or in default to spend two years in prison.

The convict has since paid the fine to escape the jail term.

Makombe comes from Machinjiri in the area of traditional authority Machinjiri in the Blantyre district.