Father charged with the murder of his daughter after he allegedly “slapped” her during an altercation

A 58-year-old man is facing a murder charge after he ‘slapped’ his 24-year-old daughter which led to her death in Mpumalanga, South Africa. 

The suspect, Fannie Mtshali made his first appearance before the Ogies Magistrate’s Court on 12 September 2022.

Mpumalanga Police spokesperson, Brig Selvy Mohlala, in a statement on Tuesday, said that around 11pm on Saturday, an argument broke out between Fannie Mtshali and his daughter, Simphiwe, in Phola near Witbank. 

The argument led to a physical confrontation during which Mtshali “slapped her” and she lost consciousness.

Mohlala said police and paramedics were called to the scene but upon arrival, the woman was certified dead. Mtshali was arrested immediately after the assault. 

Mtshali was remanded in custody and the matter postponed to September 19 for a formal bail application.

Reacting to the incident, the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela said he was saddened by the girl’s death and disappointed in the manner in which the incident unfolded.

“Though children should be brought up to be disciplined however parents should avoid using violence. Parents are the ones that must protect their children as well as their families. Gender-Based-Violence remains classified as a pandemic and we cannot turn a blind eye on this dreadful scourge” added the General.