Nelspruit: 08 August 2023 - Sfiso Mkhabela (28) appeared briefly at Emalahleni Magistrate's Court today Tuesday 08 August 2023 following incident whereby he set a house alight which claimed Kedibone Mabena's three year old baby boy's life in Phola, Ogies. According to information, both Mokoena and Mabena had an argument in one of the taverns where the duo were having nice time. Mkhabela decided to vent his anger by setting alight Mabena's house where Mabena left his three year old son locked up inside.
Intense investigation was launched to establish the cause of fire which resulted in Mkhabela's arrested. Police further arrested Mabena for child neglect after she left a three year old unattended on Saturday 05 August 2023 at about 23:00. Both suspects appeared in Emalahleni Magistrate's Court today Tuesday 08 August 2023 where they were both remanded in custody until next Tuesday 15 August 2023.
When the house was set alight, Mabena was still in the tavern. She was shocked to find her house in ashes when she returned home the following morning at about 04:00. Both Mabena and Mkhabela were arrested on Sunday 06 August 2023 at 07:15 and 16:00 respectively.
In a separate incident, a 15 year old boy is fighting for his life in hospital after he was allegedly shot by his grandfather in Marite. According to information received, the victim's mother who was at work at the time on 02 August 2023 at about 07:00 received a call from her son that he has been shot. She immediately rushed home where she confirmed the incident. The child was quickly rushed to hospital where he is fighting for his life.
The 87 year old grandfather, Ambros Mlimi, was arrested and appeared in Mkhuhlu Magistrate's Court yesterday Monday 07 August 2023, and he was remanded in custody for his next appearance on 10 August 2023. During his arrest, he was found with a Parabelum and 155 live ammunitions. The firearm and ammunition were confiscated for further investigation.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela condemned any form of child brutality and believes justice will be done for the victims.