Lawyer Arrested After Police Chase Ends with Windscreen Damage
Drunk Driving Suspect Leads Officers on Pursuit Through Malawi City
A high-speed chase through the streets of Bangwe, Malawi, culminated in the arrest of **Bob Chinkango**, a 43-year-old legal professional, early this morning. The incident involved a damaged vehicle and allegations of intoxication, raising concerns about road safety.
Dramatic Early-Morning Pursuit
The chase began around 3:30 a.m. at a police roadblock when **Chinkango**, reportedly driving a Mercedes Benz with registration CZ 3, allegedly disregarded officers’ signals to stop. Instead of complying, he steered his vehicle onto the roadside verge, initiating a pursuit by police in a Land Cruiser (MP 2680).
The pursuit continued until the suspect reached the vicinity of the Weaving Factory near Enegen Filling Station, turning onto Namiyango Road. Officers discharged a warning shot in an attempt to halt the vehicle, but a stray bullet inadvertently struck the front passenger-side windscreen of **Chinkango**’s car.
Following the incident, **Chinkango** was found to be heavily intoxicated, with several beer bottles discovered inside his vehicle. A subsequent breathalyzer test revealed an alcohol concentration of 1.3mg/l, significantly exceeding the legal limit. He received treatment for a minor scratch on his upper right hand at a local hospital.
Facing Multiple Charges
**Chinkango**, a resident of Mgogomwa Village, T/A Likoswe in Chiradzulu, is now facing three charges: conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, failure to comply with police instructions (Section 39(3), Police Act), and driving under the influence of alcohol (Section 128, Traffic Act).
According to the World Health Organization, drunk driving is a factor in approximately 30% of all road traffic fatalities globally. WHO Road Traffic Injury Fact Sheet
Ongoing Investigation
The suspect remains in police custody and is scheduled to appear in court at a date yet to be determined. The case has been registered under the reference number BV/CR/18/06/2025. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and the discharge of the warning shot.
