Passenger cyclist dies in road accident

Passenger cyclist dies in road accident

Luwingu, May 13, ZANIS —— One person has died while the other t is battling for his life at Luwingu district hospital after they were hit from behind by a Mitsubishi canter registration number ABF 7805 on Saturday afternoon.

Northern Province, Police Deputy Commissioner Lackson Sakala and Luwingu district Police Officer in charge Mwelwa Sampa both confirmed the accident to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Luwingu yesterday.

Mr Sakala said police in the area have since arrested and charged the driver of Mitsubishi canter Robert Mundia 38 for causing death by dangerous driving contrary to the laws of Zambia.

“We have arrested male Robert Mundia aged 38 of Kopu village in Chief Chipalo’s area for causing death of James Lukonde aged 19 also of Kopu village by dangerous driving contrary to the laws of Zambia,” he said.

The accident happened on Saturday around 14:30 hours when Godfrey Mwenya 36 of Damas village was cycling and carrying behind his friend James Lukonde 19 along Luwingu-Nsombo road when a vehicle coming behind hit them as it was trying to overtake them.

The passenger on the bicycle fell off and hit his head on the ground and later died on his way to the district hospital while the cyclist Godfrey Mwenya is critically ill nursing general body pains and bruises in the district hospital.

Mr Sakala said the accident was caused by inexperience driving as the driver (Robert Mundia) has no drivers licence.

And Mr Sampa said the body of the deceased is lying in the district hospital mortuary awaiting post-mortem while Mundia is remand in police custody.

Mr Sampa observed that most drivers in Luwingu district were operating their vehicles without drivers licence contrary to the laws of Zambia and police will start thorough checks on such drivers in the district.

He said that about four drivers who have caused death by dangerous driving have no drivers licences and their offences are before the High court.

Meanwhile the hospital authorities have described the condition of Mwenya as stable.