Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo

27 January 2024

Fanie Petros Mtshali (60) has been sentenced to 15 years direct imprisonment by the Witbank Regional Court on 21 January 2025 for the murder of his daughter.

The incident occurred in Phola near Witbank.

The court heard that on 10 September 2022 around 23h00, the victim arrived home late and was confronted by her father.

The father then reprimanded his daughter for coming home late.

A heated argument ensued, during which the father slapped the victim, causing her to fall onto the television set.

Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene.Emergency Medical Services and the Police were summoned to the scene, where the 24-year-old victim was certified dead.

The father was then arrested the following day, on 11 September 2022, and charged with murder.

He was denied bail and attended court proceedings while in custody.On 21 January 2025, the court sentenced Mtshali to 15 years imprisonment.

Additionally, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm under the Firearms Control Act.The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has welcomed the sentencing. “Families should seek help from professionals when dealing with conflicts rather than resorting to violence. This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of the consequences of Domestic Violence as it can be devastating, ” said the General.