A drink-driving offender yesterday told the Buhleni Circuit Court that he had only taken a few sips of alcohol before he was arrested by the police.
Mxolisi Mkhontfo appeared before Magistrate Ntombifuthi Manyatsi charged with contravening parts of the Road Traffic Act No. 6 of 2007. Mkhontfo conducted his defence and pleaded guilty to the charge. The court convicted him in accordance with his own plea.
According to the charge sheet, on Friday at about 6:30pm at Masheleleni along the D35 public road in the Hhohho region, Mkhontfo unlawfully drove a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. A breath specimen taken from him recorded 0.47 milligrams of alcohol per 1 000 millilitres, above the legal limit of 0.37 milligrams.
During mitigation, Mkhontfo apologised for breaking the law and claimed he had only just started drinking.
“I had just opened a bottle of Hansa beer and had taken less than four sips before I met the police. I did not think the breathalyser would detect so much alcohol. I think I was tested while the alcohol was still in my throat,” he told the court.
Mkhontfo further explained that he had been transporting his sick child from Mkhuzweni and was stressed after seeing the child’s condition for the first time.
“I have three children and I deeply regret what I did,” he added. The court sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment or a fine of E800.
Another offender, Timothy Mbokodvo, pleaded guilty after he was found driving under the influence of alcohol at Masheleleni on Saturday. His alcoholmeter reading was 0.63 milligrams. During mitigation, Mbokodvo apologised to the court and promised not to repeat the offence. “I have six children who depend on me. It will never happen again,” he said.
While passing sentence, Magistrate Manyatsi condemned drink-driving. “Drinking and driving is a selfish act because you are not only putting your own life at risk, but also the lives of other road users,” the magistrate said. Mbokodvo was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment or a fine of E800.
Meanwhile, a South African national Mlungisi Mgabhi also appeared before the court and pleaded guilty, telling the court he had travelled to Eswatini to visit his grandfather.
“I only had two bottles of Savannah before driving,” he said. He was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment or a fine of E800.
Veli Dlamini also appeared before Magistrate Manyatsi after being found driving under the influence of alcohol at Makhwenya along the MR1 public road on Saturday. His alcoholmeter reading was 0.70 milligrams. Dlamini, who conducted his defence, pleaded guilty and apologised.
“It was never my intention to drink and drive. I was influenced by my cousin, who was drinking Sibebe beer and I ended up drinking as well,” he told the court. He was also sentenced to six months’ imprisonment or a fine of E800.
