Mbabane – Two men appeared today before Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati at the Mbabane Magistrates Court, each charged under the Road Traffic Act No. 6 of 2007 for driving while over the legal alcohol limit.
The first offender, Nkambule Maxwel, was arrested after testing 0.95 mg/l, which is almost double the legal limit. In his mitigation, Nkambule told the court that his child was sick on the day of the arrest. He said he was forced to drive to the hospital while already taking alcohol. It was an emergency, he said and the child needed urgent medical attention.
He further explained that he makes a living by making and selling concoction to people who need it, adding that he supports 10 children, with the youngest being three years old. Nkambule said his friends he drinks with left him in trouble and pleaded for leniency. Magistrate Vilakati sentenced him to E1 500 or, in default of payment, 15 months imprisonment.
The second accused was Mathobela Themba who tested 0.63 mg/l when a breathalyzer test was conducted on him. Evidence from the court shows that Mathobela had parked his vehicle in the middle of the road on the night of the incident putting other motorists at risk. He claimed he had just taken a nap after having a few drinks. On patrol police arrested him. Mathobela apologised for his actions and promised not to repeat the mistake again.
Magistrate Vilakati expressed concern over Matbobela’s behaviour, he questioned him.
“Do you want to see Christmas? Because your actions say otherwise,” Vilakati said.
Magistrate Vilakati further warned him that driving while drunk endangers both the driver and other road users. Mathobela was sentenced to pay a fine of E1 500, or 15 months in prison.
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