Boy Masilela (30) found himself in court facing charges of assaulting his male rival, Lucky Ntezinde, in a heated dispute over the paternity of an unborn child.
The altercation, which took place on March 27, 2024, shed light on the complexities of determining fatherhood before a child is even born.
Masilela and Ntezinde, both claiming to be the father of the unborn baby, engaged in a physical altercation that led to Masilela being charged under section 77(1) (a) of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act 15/2018.
Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi presided over the case, urging the men to await the child’s birth before determining paternity. “You should not fight for the child but instead wait until the child is born, so that you would know who the child’s father is.”
Masilela expressed a fervent wish for the child to be his own, highlighting the emotional turmoil underlying the legal battle. Despite the violence that ensued, Nhlabatsi commended Masilela for his desire to take responsibility as a father while condemning the assault on Ntezinde.
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In his defence, Masilela claimed that the assault was not premeditated but a result of the escalating tensions between the two men. He expressed regret for his actions and emphasized his intention to avoid further conflict.
Ultimately, Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi handed down a sentence of 2 years imprisonment or a fine of E2 000, with 1 year of the sentence or E1 000 suspended upon certain conditions.
