Police in the Sekhukhune District have arrested a 24-year-old male suspect in connection with a fatal stabbing at a tavern in Tafelkop village.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Motetema, officers on duty received a report at approximately 12:00 on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, that a man had been stabbed with a sharp object and had died at the scene.
Police responded immediately. Upon arrival, community members directed officers to a male victim lying on a dilapidated car seat under shade. The victim had an open wound to his chest.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) attended the scene and declared the 47-year-old male victim dead.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect arrived at the tavern with a friend, where an altercation over money broke out. The suspect allegedly took money from his friend by force. The 24-year-old then reportedly grabbed an object he was carrying and stabbed the victim once in the chest. The victim fell to the ground, and the suspect fled on foot.
A murder case was opened at the local police station. The suspect was traced and arrested a few hours later at his hideout in Tafelkop village.
He is expected to appear before the Motetema Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 22 May 2026, on a charge of murder.
