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MBABANE – Alcohol was blamed for most cases of assault and insults that were brought to the Mbabane Eswatini National Court on Monday.

:hen appearing in court, some accused persons asked for forgive ness, expressing regret for their actions. Sibonakaliso 'lamini (24) from Sigangeni, assaulted his uncle Mandla 'lamini (57) of the same area. The incident is said to have happened on March 3, 2024. Mandla told the court that he was just sitting in a bus on his way home, when his nephew came carrying a bottle of alcohol. He explained how his nephew insulted him for no reason, before slapping him on the head. “He just came towards me, insulted me and gave slapped on my head,” he said. Sibonakaliso admitted to the court to having committed the offence and said he was under the influence of alcohol at the time. He expressed remorse for assaulting his uncle. Meanwhile, his uncle forgave him and expressed hope that the young man would learn from his mistakes. Meanwhile, in another matter, =welithini Tfwala was assaulted by %rian Pais, who also admitted to have been under the influence of alcohol. Pais (35) of 2shoek assaulted Tfwala (34) of .upheleni on March 3, 2024.

Battery

Tfwala said he went to Pais to take back the car battery that he had given to him. Tfwala told the Court that the accused said the battery was at his home, so he must go and fetch it there. “:hile , was on my way to fetch the battery, Pais followed me and started to assault me,” he said. The accused admitted to having been under the influence of alcohol and apologised for his actions, expressing his regret for assaulting Tfwala. The complain ant said he forgave the accused and emphasised the importance of maintaining their relationship.

The accused told the court that he was considering Tuitting alcohol as it put him in trouble. ,n yet another case, Thulani Masilela (35) of .walini, appeared in the same court charged with insulting %uhle Mthembu of Eluhlendlweni, on March 10, 2024.

Mthembu told the court that she was working for the accused¶s younger brother as a shopkeeper. She told the court that it was not the first time Mthembu insulted her, as he always did this when drunk. Masilela profusely apologised and promised not to repeat the offence. He told the court that he could not recall anything as he was drunk.

Mbabane 1ational Court Pres ident Two Minutes Shongwe, advised the accused that he had no right to insult Mthembu as she was there to work and earn a living. Mthembu said she forgave the accused and urged him to stay away from alcohol, to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.