In a recent court session, four motorists in Eswatini were fined E800 or sentenced to eight months imprisonment for drink-driving. Siphosethu Vilakati, one of the accused, claimed he had only consumed Joko tea before driving, which resulted in an alcohol concentration of 0.57mg/l. Vilakati, a member of a Zion church, told the Mbabane Magistrate’s Court that he was returning from a church service when he was arrested. The court heard that Vilakati pleaded guilty to the charge and was subsequently sentenced. His case was one of several drink-driving incidents reported in the country.
The Mbabane Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati, handed down the sentences to the four motorists. Vilakati warned motorists to be cautious when consuming Joko tea, citing its potential effects on driving. The magistrate referenced Proverbs 20:1, highlighting the dangers of alcohol consumption before driving. The court emphasized the importance of responsible driving and the consequences of drink-driving. The sentences were handed down in accordance with the country’s traffic laws.
Sabelo Fakudze, another accused, recorded an alcohol concentration of 1.45mg/l while driving with three passengers. The court heard that Fakudze had failed to control the vehicle, resulting in a crash into a donga at Malagwane. Fakudze pleaded guilty to both charges and asked for leniency during mitigation. The court took into account the seriousness of the offense, particularly given the risk to the lives of the three passengers. Fakudze’s driver’s license was suspended for three months.
Velaphi Gamedze, who recorded an alcohol concentration of 0.60mg/l, pleaded guilty and attributed his actions to celebrating his brother’s return from South Africa. Gamedze asked for a lenient sentence and was subsequently fined E800 or eight months imprisonment. The court considered his explanation during mitigation. Gcebile Dlamini, who recorded an alcohol concentration of 0.68mg/l, also pleaded guilty and claimed she had underestimated the amount of alcohol consumed.
Dlamini told the court that she was on her way to pick up her children when she was arrested. The court considered her explanation and handed down a sentence of E800 or eight months imprisonment. The two cases were part of a series of drink-driving incidents reported in the country. The court’s sentences aimed to deter motorists from engaging in similar behavior.
The magistrate expressed concern about the seriousness of drink-driving incidents and wished for the law to be amended to send a stronger message. The court’s decisions reflected the country’s commitment to road safety and responsible driving. The sentences handed down to the four motorists served as a reminder of the consequences of drink-driving.
The four motorists were dealt with in accordance with Eswatini’s traffic laws, which aim to promote road safety. The cases highlighted the importance of responsible driving and the need for motorists to exercise caution when consuming substances that may affect their driving abilities. The court’s decisions were reported by the Swazi Observer on September 29, 2026.
Key points
- Four motorists were fined E800 or sentenced to eight months imprisonment for drink-driving in Eswatini.
- The court warned motorists to be cautious when consuming Joko tea, citing its potential effects on driving.
- The sentences aimed to deter motorists from engaging in similar behavior and promote road safety.
