Times Of Swaziland: MINISTRY’S STERN WARNING  TO HEAD TEACHERS

MINISTRY’S STERN WARNING  TO HEAD TEACHERS
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Stanley Khumalo on 15/11/2024 08:46:00


MBABANE – Irresponsible motorists have collectively paid over E651 200 to
government for drink-driving in the four regions.
In a chilling revelation that underscores a growing public safety crisis, the
month of September 2024, marked a troubling trend on Eswatini’s roads. Over
the course of four weekends, law enforcement authorities apprehended a
staggering 401 motorists for drink-driving. This number signals not only a
flagrant disregard for traffic laws but also a pressing need for comprehensive
measures to address the epidemic of alcohol-related incidents on the national
roads. Statistics compiled from five magistrates courts reflect the severity of
the issue. In the last four weeks alone, E651 200 was collected in fines related
to these infractions.
Crisis
An analysis of the figures unveils Manzini as the epicenter of this crisis,
consistently racking up the highest fines each week. A contributing factor could
be that the drink-driving cases are heard by principal magistrates, while in
other jurisdictions, such as the Nhlangano Magistrates Court and Siteki, the
drink-driving cases are not heard by the senior judicial officers. In contrast,
the capital city, Mbabane, reported substantially lower totals, collecting E18
800 in the first week and increasing to E37 000 by the fourth week. Other towns,
including Pigg’s Peak and Nhlangano, exhibited significantly lower fines,
indicative of the concerning prevalence of drink-driving concentrated in
Manzini.
The implications of these statistics extend far beyond financial penalties; they
present a dire social concern. Families across Eswatini are enduring devastating
consequences as a result of this reckless behaviour. Many of the arrested
individuals, in their mitigation, submit that they are breadwinners supporting
their families and their arrests lead to significant disruptions in households.
The immediate financial burden of fines, legal battles, or potential loss of
employment compounds the issue, with families facing hardships in affording
basic necessities – food, shelter and education for their children.
Moreover, the psychological strain on families cannot be understated.
Drink-driving affects not only the offender but also their loved ones, leading
to strained relationships and in some cases, domestic unrest. The spectre of
drink-driving looms larger when the implications for public safety and the
well-being of pedestrians and other motorists are considered. With each incident
of drink-driving, the risk to innocent lives escalates dramatically. Alcohol
impairs judgement, slows reaction times and diminishes coordination,
transforming ordinary drivers into lethal hazards on the road. The figures tell
a sobering story; highlighting the urgent need for reform in drink-driving
legislation and enforcement.
According to recent statistics, public awareness campaigns regarding the perils
of drink-driving have never been more crucial. Pedestrians, particularly
vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, face the brunt of this
danger. Instances of pedestrians being involved in accidents with intoxicated
drivers have been documented, leading to tragic losses and injuries that haunt
communities long after the accidents have occured.
Arresting
Law enforcement agencies shall be all out on the national roads arresting those
who shall be drink-driving. As we transition into the final month of 2024, the
time for proactive change is now. The data collected over the past month is not
just numbers; it represents individuals, families and communities facing crises
that ripple through the social fabric of Eswatini.
Pigg’s Peak Station Commander Assistant Superintendent Dumisani Nzalo said:
“The effects of drink-driving are so severe as they include the loss of life
and damage to property. It is always our considered plea to motorists not to
dare sit behind the wheel after the consumption of liquor.”
He said police advise the community to assist the police by reporting such
behaviour upon sight. By so doing, he said, one would be helping the driver and
other road users.“Drivers are urged to engage sober drivers after consuming
liquor. We have recently observed a tremendous increase in the number of
drink-driving cases in our area. We further assure the community that we always
give our fullest attention to drink-driving cases.”Nzalo also requested all
liquor outlets to stick to conditions stipulated on their trading licences,
which is closing at appropriate times.