Free State man arrested after alleged fatal assault on father following cigarette dispute

A 32-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder after his 61-year-old father died from injuries sustained in an alleged assault following an argument over a cigarette.

Arrest after assault complaint at Mokwallo home

Vredefort police arrested the suspect at his home in the Mapetla Section of Mokwallo after responding to a complaint of an alleged assault on Sunday, 2 August, at approximately 4:10pm.

“Vredefort police responded to a complaint of an alleged assault at a residence in the Mapetla Section of Mokwallo. Upon arrival, officers found the 61-year-old victim, identified as Mr Ndode Lenong, lying on a bed with head injuries and a swollen face. Police were informed that he had allegedly been assaulted by his son using an unknown object,”

said Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Josephine Rani.

Medical treatment and death

The severely injured Mr Ndode Lenong was initially taken to Parys Hospital and later transferred to a medical facility in Bloemfontein for further treatment. He succumbed to his injuries on Monday morning.

Charge and next steps

The 32-year-old suspect was arrested on a charge of murder and is due to appear in the Vredefort Magistrate’s Court.

Reported cause of the dispute

Police said it is alleged that the father and son had argued over a cigarette prior to the assault.