Hit-and-run lawmaker fined in Malawi

Blantyre - A millionaire Malawian lawmaker who killed a pedestrian in a hit-and-run accident escaped prison but was handed a $4 000 (about R28 000) fine, a court official said on Friday.

Mark Katsonga Phiri was found guilty at Lilongwe magistrates court on three counts in relation to the crash last month, including reckless driving and failing to stop at the scene of the accident.

The accident occurred when Katsonga, a real estate and transport tycoon, was driving on the country's main highway in Dedza district, 85 kilometres (55 miles) from the administrative capital Lilongwe.

Katsonga told the court he did not stop after the accident because he feared being lynched by local people - a common practice in Malawi.