A 63-year-old Emelo resident, **Mr. Bheki Mabaso**, has been arrested after fatally striking an alleged intruder during what he claims was an act of self-defense at his home. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of the morning, has sparked strong reactions in the community and raised questions about the boundaries of self-defense under South African law.
According to information received, the dramatic encounter occurred at around **02:30 AM**, when an unknown man reportedly broke into Mabaso’s home by smashing the bathroom window. Mabaso, who was inside the house with his daughter at the time, claims he immediately feared for their safety. His wife is currently hospitalized and undergoing treatment for breast cancer, leaving him as the only adult present in the home.
Faced with the intruder, Mabaso reportedly rushed to his car to grab a **bhobhojani spanner**, which he used to strike the man on the head. The blow left the intruder disoriented, after which Mabaso says the man attempted to flee. Mabaso admitted in his statement that he chased the intruder outside and delivered additional blows, ultimately killing him.
Emergency services were called to the scene along with community members and police. Paramedics later confirmed that the alleged intruder had succumbed to his injuries.
In his statement to police, Mabaso expressed remorse but insisted he acted out of fear for his life and the safety of his daughter. *“It was either me or him,”* he said. *“I know I am wrong, but this guy was going to kill me and rape my daughter. We were alone in the house.”*
Police Spokesperson, **Mike M.**, confirmed the arrest and provided further details. *“We have arrested a 63-year-old man who is being charged with murder. While the act may not have been intentional, the law categorizes it as murder,”* he explained.
The spokesperson added that while Mabaso had the right to defend himself, chasing the intruder and “finishing him off” outside exceeded what the law considers reasonable self-defense. *“Mr. Mabaso should not have continued to assault the suspect once he was already weak. He could have restrained him and contacted police immediately. Officers would have responded quickly and the suspect would have faced justice alive.”*
Authorities also confirmed that the deceased man was a **wanted suspect from Orange Farm in Johannesburg**, believed to have been on the run for an extended period. Despite this, police emphasized that *“every person has a right to life,”* and the matter must be handled according to the law.
Mr. Mabaso is expected to remain in custody until **Friday**, when he will appear in court for his bail hearing. The community remains divided, with some calling him a hero who protected his family, while others await the court’s decision on whether his actions were justified or unlawful.
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