Times Of Swaziland: CALL FOR HARSHER PENALTIES

CALL FOR HARSHER PENALTIES
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Sebentile Shongwe on 25/02/2025 08:25:00


MBABANE – The public was irked by the kombi driver who packed like sardines,
31 pupils into a 15-seater Toyota Quantum, in Pigg’s Peak which later
overturned with them aboard. Members of the public on this publication’s
Facebook page – Times of Eswatini – were irked and called for harsher
sentences for such an act. Some of those who shared their opinion on the teaser
called for a life sentence as this was an irresponsible act.
What some of them had to say:
Facebook User 1: “They should have their public driver’s licences revoked as
the safety of the passengers is not a priority with them.
One kombi driver disembarked while a kombi was still in motion as he failed to
control it.”
Facebook User 2: “Overloading is what the drivers do for their pocket money so
he’s not the only one, the fact that he was caught accidentally doesn’t mean
he’s the only one. Let’s face reality...Yes it’s true that it is
#wrong.”
Facebook user 3: “I remember one packed quantum to Hlatikhulu. I was a
standing passenger and when it was approaching Sidvokodvo (Riders Ranch), the
driver applied brakes abruptly and I ended up biting someone’s pie.”
Facebook User 4: “He should be locked up to send a clear message to his fellow
drivers.”
Facebook User 5: “Then the court of law must set an example with him. It’s
time to teach taxi drivers a lesson because 31 lives would have been lost.”
Facebook User 6: “The courts should ask if the any (police) officer knows of
such a thing. The courts in my view should be on a case with law enforcement
together with this guy.”
Facebook User 7: “Reality says, if he didn’t overturn....he was just going
to be made to pay E60 and off he goes with the load. That’s how effective
traffic law is in protecting lives of civilians.”
Facebook User 8: “He deserves to be jailed for a lifetime. What would happen
if all the souls were lost.”
Facebook User 9: “What if the law can be adjusted into arresting the
overloading passengers instead of focusing on the driver like they did with the
seat belts?”
Facebook User 10: “In South Africa, if they find one public transport driver
doing this, they simply ban the licence for five years or tear it completely.”