The Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court has slapped a 28-year-old man, Allie John, with a hefty K720,000 fine and a one-year driving suspension after he was convicted of multiple traffic offences, including deliberately modifying his vehicle to produce gunshot-like sounds.
John, from Kalonga Village under Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi, pleaded guilty to four counts under the Road Traffic Act—causing excessive noise, driving under the influence of alcohol, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, and driving without a licence.
The court, through State Prosecutor Inspector Grace Mindozo, heard that since early June 2025, police had received numerous complaints from Soko area residents about terrifying nighttime noises that resembled gunfire. The disturbances had been causing fear and confusion in the community.
On June 25, police officers conducting a night patrol heard similar loud bangs and traced them to a speeding, unregistered Mazda pick-up heading towards Monkey Bay. Officers quickly set up a roadblock at Mogas and intercepted the vehicle. John, who was behind the wheel, was found to be intoxicated and without a valid driver’s licence. Further inspection revealed that he had altered the vehicle’s exhaust system to emit explosive, gunshot-like noises.
In court, John admitted guilt and apologized, pleading for leniency and expressing regret for his actions. However, Inspector Mindozo urged the court to impose a stiff penalty, highlighting the disruption and public alarm caused by John’s behavior.
Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande agreed with the prosecution, handing down K180,000 fines for each of the four offences—totaling K720,000, which John has since paid. The court also banned him from driving on all public and earth roads for a full year.
The case has sparked fresh calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and harsher penalties for reckless drivers who endanger public safety.
