A BRAVE father was killed at a tavern trying to save his son from a vicious attack by two men.
The father was stabbed several times in Xanthia, near Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga, at around 4am on Sunday, 27 November.
Police arrested two suspects, aged 24 and 36, later that day and they appeared in the Bushbuckridge Magistrates Court on Monday, 28 November, on a charge of murder.
The matter was postponed to 5 December for a formal bail application.
Police spokesman Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said Adolf Zitha (41) was stabbed after intervening while his 19-year-old son was being assaulted.
“Zitha’s son reportedly had a conflict with the two men.
“It’s alleged that the suspects assaulted him and he notified his dad, who went to the scene,” he said.
“Zitha was alleged stabbed multiple times by the two suspects, who then fled the scene.
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“His son managed to escape. The victim was taken to hospital but was later certified dead.”
Mpumalanga police commissioner Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Manamela condemned the incident and praised the police for making a swift arrest.
“The investigation will also try to find out whether the tavern complied with trading regulations. We cannot turn a blind eye to the assault,” she said.
“We urge our people to look after themselves, even when they go out for leisure activities, especially now that the festive season has kicked off.”
