CASE NO. CR 47/2011

IN THE HIGH COURT OF NAMIBIA

In the matter between:

THE STATE

versus

WILLEM NEHEMIA KANDONGA                                                ACCUSED

HIGH COURT REVIEW CASE NO. 695/2011

CORAM:		MULLER, J et  SWANEPOEL, J   

Delivered on:	27 May 2011
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REVIEW JUDGMENT

SWANEPOEL, J.:	[1]	The accused was convicted of contravening section 82(5)(a) and section 82(1)(b) of the Road Traffic and Transportation Act, Act 22 of 1999 – driving a motor vehicle on a public road whilst the concentration of alcohol in a specimen of breath taken from him exceeded 0.037 grams per 1000ml and sentenced to a fine of N$4000.00 or 8 months imprisonment. (The charge sheet incorrectly alleged a contravention of section 82(2)(b) of Act 22/1999). 

[2]	I directed the following query to the learned magistrate:
“What is the effect of the fact that there was no evidence that the breathelyser test on the accused was taken within 2 hours of the driving of the vehicle by the accused?”

The learned magistrate confirmed that there was no such evidence produced (and/or admitted by the accused during the questioning in terms of section 112(1)(b) of Act 51/1977) and concluded in his reply that the proceedings “were indeed not in accordance with justice” and requested that the proceedings be set aside.

[3]	I am in agreement with the above request and in the circumstances the conviction and sentence are hereby set aside.  The accused is entitled to a refund of N$4000.00 if he had paid the fine.
	Compare:  S v Jansen 2006(1) NR 337 at 341 D-F.

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SWANEPOEL, J

I agree

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MULLER, J