MBABANE – What began as a family misunderstanding turned into a violent domestic incident that landed a 41-year-old Fontein man in court.

Nhlanhla Mthembu stood before the Mbabane Magistrate’s Court today, accused of assaulting and threatening to kill his two nieces during a heated altercation at their home on the 25th of October. 

According to the charge sheet, the accused was charged with two counts under the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act of 2018. On the first count, he allegedly slapped his niece several times on the face and strangled her, an act that contravenes Section 77(1)(a) of the Act. The second count stated that he threatened to kill another niece, while pointing a knife at her, violating Section 77(1)(c)(c).

However, in his defense, Mthembu painted a picture of a family disagreement gone wrong. “It was not an assault,” he pleaded before the court.

“We had a misunderstanding, and she provoked me. She started beating me, and I only held her still to calm her down. I love my nieces, and I did not mean to hurt them.”

Despite his emotional apology, the court noted the seriousness of domestic violence, especially when it occurs within family circles where trust and safety should prevail. The magistrate reminded Mthembu that love cannot be expressed through violence or threats.

After considering his mitigating plea, the court ordered Mthembu to pay a fine of E2 000 for each count, or serve two years in prison per count should he fail to pay.