MBABANE – Drink-driving offenders continue to face heavy penalties, with five individuals recently appearing in court for driving under the influence. The offenders were found with varying alcohol content levels in their systems, leading to fines and the threat of imprisonment for those unable to pay.
Mndzebele Xolani, who was caught with an alcohol concentration of 1.28 mg/l, appeared before Principal Magistrate. During his mitigation, Xolani explained his financial struggles, stating that he was unemployed and reliant on his elderly mother for support. He pleaded for leniency, requesting the court to consider this his first conviction. Despite his plea, he was fined E5,000, with a two-year prison sentence as an alternative if he fails to pay.
Phumlani Mkhonta also appeared in court, with a reading of 1.89 mg/l alcohol content. Mkhonta, in his mitigation, requested a lenient sentence, as this was his first offence. He too was handed a fine of E5,000 or a two-year prison term.
Jabulani Maziya, found with 1.52 mg/l alcohol content, expressed deep remorse during his hearing, noting his family responsibilities. With two young children and a wife who had recently undergone surgery, Maziya asked the court to consider his circumstances. He was similarly fined E5,000, with the alternative of two years in prison.
Elvis Vilakati, whose alcohol level was 1.30 mg/l, pleaded for leniency, citing his responsibility for minor children who depend on him. Like the others, he was fined E5,000 or given the option of serving a two-year prison sentence.
Lastly, Fana Dlamini, who recorded 1.89 mg/l, also asked for a reduced penalty, explaining that this was his first offence. He too received a fine of E5,000, with the threat of imprisonment if the fine is not paid.
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