MBABANE – The state collected over E30 000 in fines after about fourteen people appeared at the Mbabane Magistrate’s Court today for charges of driving under the influence of alcohol.
They appeared before the Presiding Magistrate, Fikile Nhlabatsi who issued fines ranging between E1000 to E5000, totaling at least E31 000 after guilty pleas from the weekend arrests.
Among the offenders was Boy Nicholas Mabuza, who was found with 2.00 mg/l alcohol content in his system. He explained that he had been asked by his friends to transport them to a certain destination where they shared their drinks with him.
In vernacular he said, “Bangani bami bangivise kancane,” (they let me have a taste), adding that he was apologetic for his actions and would not commit a similar offence again.
He then pleaded for leniency saying that he was unemployed with a number of children who solely depend on him. Mabuza was sentenced to pay a fine of E5000 in default of payment of 2 years imprisonment.
Simangele Dlamini, follows after being found with 1.39 mg/l alcohol content in her system. She told the court that she was not the one driving the vehicle on the day of arrest. She shared that when she stepped out after being pulled at a police stop sign,she jumped off rushing to plead with the police. Unfortunately, she said, on her return, she found the driver to have jumped off from her seat sliding to the passenger’s side, thus it looked like she was the one behind the wheel.
In vernacular she said, “Kufana nekutsi ngimbatsiswe lijazi lelingasilo lami” (I was framed), she said.
She denied that she signed the alcohol meter receipt. Dlamini was given a bail amount fixed at E2000 or remain in custody until 12 February pending the prosecution to prove that the signature in the alcoholmeter receipt is hers.
Bahle Fakudze, 29 years, was also found with 2.00 mg/l alcohol in his system, apologised and said it was a mistake. He too was sentenced to pay E5 000 or serve two years in prison.
Mpendulo Shabalala who had 2.00 mg/l alcohol content pleaded not guilty to the offence. His case was set for trial on 19 February, 2026.
Dingani Mazibuko, who had 0.70mg/l alcohol content, pleaded for leniency, saying he was a first-time offender. He was ordered to pay E1500 or serve ten months in prison.
Herbert Gama, who had 1.38mg/l alcohol content, told the court he was unemployed. He said he cooperated with the police. He was sentenced to pay a fine of E5000 or 2 years imprisonment.
Bonsile Dlamini, found with 1.38 mg/l, said she pleaded for mercy. He was sentenced to pay E5 000 or serve two years in prison.
Setsabile Mhlanga, who had 0.58 mg/l alcohol in his system, told the court she is a first-time offender. She was ordered to pay a fine of E1500 or serve 8 months in prison.
Memory Thwala was found with 2.00mg/l alcohol content in her body. She was ordered to pay a fine of E5,000 or serve two years imprisonment.
Kunene Fana Machawe was found with 1.19mg/l of alcohol content in his body.
Njabulo Vilakati, was found with 0.96mg/l alcohol content in his system. He was sentenced to pay a fine of E5,000 in default of payment 2years imprisonment.
Dlamini Andile was found with 0.43mg/l alcohol content in his body and he was sentenced to pay a fine of E1 000 or 8 months imprisonment.
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