By Rahim Abdul
Police in Mangochi have arrested a 56-year-old driver, Assani Sabiti, in connection with a fatal road accident that claimed the life of 19 year old Blessings James, in a case that has left the Kalonga community shaken.
The tragic incident occurred on the evening of February 23, 2026, at Kalonga Residential Area within Mangochi Township.
According to Mangochi Police Spokesperson Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, Sabiti was driving a Tata Light Lorry, registration number BR 755, from the direction of MBC offices towards Mabulu.
As he approached Zaithwa Private School and attempted to make a left turn, Sabiti allegedly lost control of the vehicle due to excessive speed.
The lorry veered off course and struck James, who was standing by the roadside along the earth road.
The impact left the teenager with a fractured hip. He was rushed to Mangochi District Hospital for urgent medical attention but sadly died a few hours later while receiving treatment.
In a move that has drawn concern, the accident was not immediately reported to police. Instead, the body of the deceased was conveyed to Chowe Area for burial on the same day with the assistance of the suspect.
It was not until February 25, 2026, that concerned members of the community alerted authorities about the incident. Police officers swiftly acted on the report, proceeding to Sabiti’s residence where they arrested him and impounded the vehicle involved in the crash.
Sabiti, who hails from Kalonga Village under Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi, is expected to appear before court to answer charges of causing death by reckless driving and failing to report an accident to police within 24 hours, as required by law.
Police in Mangochi have since urged members of the public to avoid handling road traffic accidents privately and to allow law enforcement officers to manage such cases professionally. Drivers have also been reminded to exercise extreme caution on the roads and to promptly report any accidents to the authorities.
The loss of Blessings James adds to growing concerns over speeding and road safety in residential areas, with authorities warning that reckless driving continues to cost innocent lives.
