Nelspruit: Two suspects, Marvin Ndlovu (24) and Santos Makhonza (36) appeared at the Bushbuckridge Magistrates’ Court today, Monday 28 November 2022 following allegations of fatally stabbing Mr Adolf Zitha (41).  Mr Zitha is said to have been stabbed by the suspects as he intervened when his son (19) was allegedly assaulted. The incident reportedly occurred at a certain tavern in Xanthia near Bushbuckridge on Sunday, 27 November 2022 at about 04:00.

The two suspects were later tracked down and found shortly after the incident. According to information received, Zitha’s son who was at the said tavern reportedly had an argument with the two men. It is alleged that the suspects assaulted him when he notified his dad who went to the scene to investigate and that was unfortunately the time when he (Zitha) was allegedly stabbed multiple times by the two suspects who fled thereafter. Zitha’s son somehow managed to escape and called for help. The victim was taken to hospital, but was later certified dead.

After the two men were cornered by the police at Bushbuckridge, they were charged for murder hence their court appearance. The matter was postponed to 05 December 2022 for a formal bail application meanwhile they remained in custody.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the murder incident however praised the police for swiftly arresting the suspects. “The investigation will also try to find out whether the tavern complied with the stipulated trading regulations. We cannot turn a blind eye on the alleged assault. We urge our people to look after themselves even when they go out for leisure so that life is preserved, especially now that the festive season has kicked off” said the General.

Source: South African Police Service