His son managed to escape the attack and call for help, but it was too late to save his father who was stabbed multiple times.

A father who tried to intervene in the alleged assault of his son (19) at a tavern in Xanthia, Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga, was stabbed to death. Two suspects have since been arrested in connection with the murder.

Marvin Ndlovu (24) and Santos Makhonza (36) appeared in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, says the two are accused of fatally stabbing Adolf Zitha (41) when he intervened during a confrontation involving his son.

Mohlala says the incident happened on Sunday at about 04:00.

According Mohlala, Zitha’s son, who was at the tavern, had reportedly gotten into a fight with the duo. It is alleged that the suspects assaulted him, and he succeeded in notifying his father who went to the scene to investigate.

Zitha was allegedly stabbed multiple times by the suspects who fled thereafter. His son managed to escape the attack and call for help.

Zitha was rushed to hospital but was certified dead by a doctor.

Mohala says the suspects were tracked down shortly after the incident. They have been charged with murder during their first court appearance yesterday. The matter was postponed to December 5 for a formal bail application. They are to remain in custody.

The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, has condemned the incident.

She warned that the investigation will include finding out whether the tavern complied with stipulated trading regulations.

“We cannot turn a blind eye on the alleged assault that reportedly occurred around 04:00. We urge people to look after themselves when they go out, especially now that the festive season has started.”

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