Member of Parliament, Mutale, denies blame in fatal crash, challenges K3.7 million compensation claim

Chitambo Member of Parliament, Remember Mutale, has denied allegations linking him to the death of a Yango driver, disputing a K3.7 million compensation claim filed by the victim’s family in the Lusaka High Court.

The family of the late Joseph Kaumba Yikona, a mechanic and Yango driver, had sued Mutale, claiming his reckless driving caused the fatal accident on March 29, 2024, between 22:30 and 23:30 hours near the Katima Mulilo Road turn-off to Cross Roads Lodge.

However, in a defence filed by his lawyers from Kaunda Kaunda & Mwila Legal Practitioners, Mutale denied liability, arguing that Yikona caused the accident by riding a motorcycle without a valid licence and disregarding traffic rules.

“The defendant denies ever fleeing the scene. He only heard a bang on the left side of his car and later learned it was caused by the deceased,” reads the defence.

Mutale contends that Yikona’s negligence was the sole cause of the accident, listing failure to follow traffic regulations and riding without a valid licence as key factors.

He further disputed the family’s claim regarding Yikona’s employment and income, insisting that the alleged K2,710 monthly earnings must be supported by evidence.

The defence labelled the K3.7 million claim as an “unliquidated” demand that must be strictly proven and urged the court to dismiss the suit entirely.

According to the statement of claim filed by the plaintiff, Elizabeth Pezo Kanoka, Mutale allegedly fled the scene, leaving Yikona injured and in need of help.

A Good Samaritan later rushed him to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Kanoka argued that Mutale’s reckless driving led to Yikona’s death and is seeking damages amounting to K3,743,296.

She also stated that the deceased left behind two children — one aged four, the other just three months old.

The matter is expected to proceed to trial.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.