Lobamba – A 30-year-old pedestrian, Bulelwa Fakudze from Zabeni, was knocked down by a drunk driver while walking along the MR103 public road in Nkhanini on May 20, 2025.
The man behind the wheel was 40-year-old Simemo Fakudze of Nkhanini, who appeared before the Mbabane Magistrates Court on Wednesday facing three charges: driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving leading to an accident, and driving without a valid licence. Although the two share the same surname, they are not related.
Simemo was reportedly driving an Audi sedan (registration XSD 650 DM) when the accident occurred around 6 p.m. Police records show his blood alcohol content was 1.38 mg/l—far above the legal limit—violating Section 91(1) and Section 122(2) of the Road Traffic Act No. 6 of 2007.
In Count Two, he is accused of negligent driving, failing to brake or avoid the pedestrian—an accident that authorities say a careful driver could have prevented. Bulelwa sustained minor injuries and was treated and discharged at Mbabane Government Hospital.
Simemo was also charged for failing to produce a valid driver’s licence, contravening Section 23(1) as read with Section 122(7) of the Road Traffic Act.
Before Magistrate Xolile Nxumalo, the accused pleaded guilty to drunk driving and driving without a licence but denied responsibility for the accident. In court, he claimed it was a mistake and told the magistrate, “I wouldn’t hit someone on purpose.”
Prosecutor Nxumalo requested a postponement to May 26, 2025, to allow the Crown to confirm the full medical status of the complainant. Bail was set at E2,000 with standard conditions. Simemo remains in custody pending further proceedings.
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