Mbabane – Despite warnings on non compromising laws that attract steep fines, the number of drink-driving cases seemingly continues to be on the rise in Eswatini, with offenders still clinging to the familiar excuse: “I only had one drink.”
The Mbabane Magistrates Court once again became a reflection of this growing problem when several offenders appeared this week charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.
One such case involved Emmanuel Themba Mngadi, who was arrested after causing an accident while intoxicated. According to the charge sheet, Mngadi recorded an alcohol reading of 0.12mg/l, above the legal limit of 0.38mg/l. He told the court that he was unaware that a single drink consumed earlier in the day could still impair his ability to drive safely.
“I apologise for my actions. I only had one drink during the day and did not know it would still affect me by the evening,” he said when pleading for leniency before Magistrate Chazile Thwala.
Mngadi, a father of four, was sentenced to one year in prison or an option of a E2 000 fine for drink-driving, and a further five months imprisonment or E500 fine for causing an accident while under the influence. The sentences will run concurrently.
In a separate matter, Mandisa Madolo was caught with a staggering 2.00mg/l alcohol content — more than five times the legal limit. Madolo apologised to the court and vowed not to repeat the offence, but Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi emphasised that the courts would not tolerate reckless behaviour that endangers lives.
Madolo was sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of a E5 000 fine.
Magistrates across the country have repeatedly condemned drink-driving, describing it as one of the most preventable causes of road accidents. However, court statistics suggest that offenders continue to underestimate the seriousness of their actions, often minimising their guilt with statements like “I only had one drink.”
Legal experts and road safety advocates argue that such cases reveal a deeper issue — a lack of awareness about how even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgment and reaction times.
“People still believe they can drink ‘just a little’ and be fine to drive, but the science shows otherwise,” said a road safety official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
As Eswatini heads into the festive season — a period typically marked by increased road accidents — authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution and to completely avoid alcohol before getting behind the wheel.
“The law may forgive once, but the consequences on the road can be irreversible,” said one magistrate. Other drink driving offenders were Sizwe Dludlu 28 of St Mark’s was found with 0.95 alcohol content in his body was sentenced to pay E5000 or 2 years. Mavela Mhlanga 24 of Mnyokane with 1.32mg/l alcohol Content in his body, fined E5000 or 2years imprisonment. Ntokozo Dlamini 29 of Logoba with 0.81 mg/l fined E4000 or 2years imprisonment.
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