MBABANE – Calls are mounting for stricter traffic enforcement at border gates after a South African truck driver crashed into a local motorist, leaving him fighting for his life.
The plea came from Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi on Friday when handling the case of 47-year-old Mandla Smiling Masuku from Nelspruit, South Africa. Masuku admitted to driving under the influence and causing a serious accident near Old Ngwenya Village.
The crash happened on July 19 along the MR3 highway when Masuku, behind the wheel of a SITRAK truck, smashed into a Mazda 3 sedan driven by 22-year-old Mbhange Nkhambule. The young motorist sustained severe injuries to the chest and legs and had to be rushed to hospital.
Masuku pleaded guilty to five charges, which included negligent driving, drunk driving, and failing to stop after the accident.
Magistrate Nhlabatsi raised concern about what she described as a growing trend of intoxicated truck drivers crossing into the kingdom, blaming them for numerous road accidents and damaged property.
Prosecutors objected to Masuku’s release, arguing there was a risk of him absconding back to South Africa. The court ordered Masuku to remain behind bars until the matter returns to court on August 7.
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