Man fined E5000 for DD and resisting arrest

The Mbabane Magistrates Court has fined Mlungu Dlamini E5, 000 or, failing payment, sentenced him to five years
in prison after convicting him of drunk driving and resisting arrest.

According to court records, the incident occurred when police officers on patrol flagged down Dlamini’s vehicle
after noticing erratic driving along one of the capital’s main roads.

Officers reported that upon stopping the car, Dlamini displayed visible signs of intoxication and became aggressive
when asked to comply with standard procedures.

The prosecution told the court that when officers attempted to place him under arrest, Dlamini resisted and allegedly
tried to jump out of the moving police vehicle while being transported to the station.

The court heard that the situation posed a danger both to him and to the officers.

In his ruling, the presiding magistrate described Dlamini’s conduct as reckless and potentially life-threatening.

“Drunk driving already endangers lives on our roads. To resist arrest and attempt to flee from lawful custody
aggravates the offence,” the magistrate said.

The defence argued for leniency, stating that Dlamini was remorseful and had no previous convictions.
However, the magistrate ruled that deterrence was necessary to discourage similar behaviour, particularly given the
high rate of road accidents linked to alcohol consumption.

In addition to the fine or prison term, Dlamini’s driver’s licence has been suspended pending further review by the
relevant traffic authorities.

The case underscores the continued crackdown on drunk driving in Eswatini, where traffic authorities and police
have intensified enforcement measures to curb rising accidents on national roads.