MINISTRY’S STERN WARNING TO HEAD TEACHERS

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.

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