The father who burnt to death his three-year-old child inside a house after having an argument with the mother is expected back in court next week Tuesday. Sfiso Mkhabela (28) is accused of setting a house alight with his three-year-old son inside at Phola, in Ogies in Mpumalanga, on Saturday night after he had an argument at a local tavern with his baby mama Kedebone Mabena, while on a night out.

SETTING THE HOUSE ALIGHT

It’s alleged that Mkhabela and the mother of his son left the child inside the house sleeping alone and went to drink at the tavern. While at the tavern, the couple had an argument and Mkhabela went back home. Mkhabela decided to vent his anger by setting the house alight with the toddler locked inside.



PARENTS ARRESTED

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala confirmed the incident. Mohlala said the couple was arrested on Sunday and made their first appearance in the Emalahleni Magistrates Court on Tuesday. "Mabena was charged with child neglect for leaving the child alone at home unattended. Both suspects appeared in court where they were both remanded in custody until next Tuesday 15 August 2023 for bail application," Mohlala said. He said that when the house was set alight, Mabena was still at the tavern. "She was shocked to find her house in ashes when she returned home the following morning at about 04:00 am." Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela condemned any form of child brutality and said she believes justice will be served.