A Zambia Revenue Authority examinations officer has pleaded guilty to endangering the life of Chief Justice Mumba Malila following a collision involving his speeding BMW.
Philemon Dyamini, 35, claims he did not intend to hit Justice Malila’s official vehicle, stating that his brakes failed while driving on the motorway. He faces two counts of dangerous driving and one count of failing to change vehicle ownership under the Road Traffic Act.
The incident occurred on August 30, 2024, when Dyamini drove his BMW (registration BAP 3706) along Independence Avenue at excessive speed, ultimately losing control of the vehicle.
Appearing before Magistrate Maloto Phiri, Dyamini acknowledged the charges, attributing the dangerous driving to unforeseen brake failure. He admitted to not having documentation regarding the vehicle’s mechanical issues.
“I take responsibility for the change of ownership; the car had been parked for a while,” he stated.
Public prosecutor Victoria Mtonga requested an adjournment for further facts and sentencing, which was granted by the magistrate.
The accident left Justice Malila with a fractured leg and other injuries, while his driver, Newton Ndhlovu, also sustained injuries. Both were subsequently evacuated to South Africa for medical care. Chief Justice Malila is currently recovering from the incident.
