The driving licence of kwaito artist Martin Mbwaluh, also known as King Tee Dee, has been suspended for four months.
He was also sentenced to pay a fine of N$6 000 by the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court after being found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Mbwaluh appeared before magistrate Nelao ya France on Thursday last week.
During sentencing, Ya France noted the offence committed is serious, and its seriousness is stipulated in the penalty clause, prescribing a maximum fine of N$20 000 or imprisonment not exceeding five years, or both.
She said the offence is highly prevalent at Ondangwa, with drunken-driving cases appearing on the court roll on a daily basis.
Punishment in this regard should call for both specific and general deterrence, the magistrate said.
“The only way for the accused person to learn is by imposing a stiff sentence. This will deter him in future from reoffending and will also send a message to society that this offence is strongly condemned by the courts,” Ya France said.
The magistrate ordered that Mbwaluh’s bail money, amounting to N$8 000, be refunded to the bail depositor.
“The court understands the personal circumstances of the accused, however, did not observe any remorse from the accused, considering the concentration of alcohol that was found to be in his breath, which, as the state prosecutor submitted, was almost twice over the legal limit.
“The court, however, also considered the fact that no accident resulted in this matter. This counts in favour of the accused,” Ya France said.
Mbwaluh was arrested at Ongwediva on 7 April.
Due to a lack of space at Ongwediva Police Station’s holding cells, he was immediately transferred to Ondangwa Police Station.
At the station, Morocky was charged with drunken driving and was granted bail in an amount of N$8 000.
He first appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court on 8 April.
Mbwaluh was represented by Kadhila Amoomo legal practitioners,while public prosecutor Tony Bock represented the state.
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