The family of the 25‑year‑old man who allegedly stabbed his stepfather to death on 12th Avenue confirmed that the fatal incident followed tensions between the suspect, his younger sister, and, later, the deceased.

This was during the City of Johannesburg mayoral candidate Herman Mashaba’s visit to the grieving family to extend condolences and pledge his party’s support.

The family explained that the conflict began with issues between the deceased’s daughter and the suspect, though they did not disclose the nature of these issues.

When the situation escalated, the daughter called the deceased to 12th Avenue.

Read more: Police open murder docket after son allegedly kills stepfather

Upon arrival all efforts to address the issues were unsuccessful, and a commotion broke out in the room. When one of the family members went to check what was happening, he found that the suspect had armed himself with a sharp knife, which he allegedly used to fatally stab his stepfather on the left side of his chest.

The family said they quickly realised the home had turned into a crime scene after the deceased succumbed to his injuries.

At the time, the suspect was locked inside the house, but he managed to force open the window burglar bars and fled. Following a community‑wide search by patrollers, the community policing forum, and residents, he was apprehended and handed over to the police.

Police spokesperson Colonel Noxolo Kweza confirmed to Alex News that the suspect was arrested and is set to appear in court soon on murder charges.

Mashaba emphasised the devastating nature of the case, noting how painful it is for a parent to lose both her husband and son at the same time.

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According to the family, the suspect uses substances. Mashaba expressed concern, stressing that communities cannot continue to suffer under the weight of substance abuse.

“We cannot let our people live like this, where our youth are unemployed, and they are exposed to drugs. You can imagine how the community feels right now.”

Mashaba framed the incident as a political problem that requires a political solution.

He affirmed residents that he knows what they are subjected to each and every day of their lives.

@caxtonjoburgnorth ActionSA mayoral candidate in Johannesburg Herman Mashaba pays a visit to the grieving family on 12th Avenue following a fatal stabbing incident on Tuesday. Video: Itumeleng Maloka #caxtonlocalmedia #johannesburg #newsupdate #2026 #Alex #Crime #Rosebank ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

“This is not an isolated case, but one day, we will find a solution. If we could beat that evil system of apartheid, we are going to solve this problem.

I am really sorry, and we will do whatever it takes to ensure that we all understand our role in finding a long-term solution to this crisis.”

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