King Tee Dee apologises for drunk driving

Namibian kwaito artist Martin Mbwaluh, known as King Tee Dee, has issued an apology following his recent arrest and conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol.

The apology comes after the highly publicised incident last month.

In his statement, King Tee Dee expresses remorse for his actions.

“It is with profound respect and regret that I submit to the nation my letter to express contrition and regret for the recent uncharacteristic conduct,” he says.

The artist further says after celebrating his 40th birthday with family and friends at Ondangwa, he believed he had sobered up the following day when he decided to drive to collect his wife. However, a routine police stop revealed he was still over the legal alcohol limit.

The Namibian law enforcement authorities arrested Mbwaluh on 7 April after his breathalyser test returned a positive reading. King Tee Dee appeared in court, where he pleaded guilty. He was fined N$6 000 and his driving licence was suspended for four months.

Magistrate Nelao ya France underscored the seriousness of the offence during sentencing. She noted that drunken driving is a prevalent issue at Ondangwa, with such cases appearing on the court roll daily. The magistrate emphasised the need for both specific and general deterrence through a stiff sentence to prevent reoffending and send a clear message that such behaviour is strongly condemned by the courts.

While Ya France acknowledged that no accident had resulted from the incident, which worked in King Tee Dee’s favour, she pointed out that the artist showed no apparent remorse, considering his high alcohol concentration, which was almost twice the legal limit.

In his apology, King Tee Dee has addressed the nation, corporate partners and his fans, acknowledging the disappointment his conduct had caused.

“I wish to be afforded a reprieve and an opportunity to remedy this uncharacteristic breach of image,” he says.