The indigenous game played by three kids of the same age reportedly turned deadly when one of them, aged 12 was allegedly stabbed to death by another child who is also 12-years-old.
The shocking incident is said to have occurred in the morning on Tuesday 11 July 2023, around 11:20 at Matsulu C, outside the City of Mbombela.
According to information as related by another 12-year-old who reportedly witnessed the incident, the trio was playing an indigenous game (Mrabaraba) when his two friends began engaging in a brawl.
It is further alleged that after a misunderstanding between the two, one of the children slapped the other with an open hand. The one assaulted is said to have grabbed two broken beer bottles then allegedly stabbed the victim multiple times on his body, using both bottles.
Thereafter it is said that the child suspect fled the scene meanwhile the third child reported the matter to the victim’s family.
The victim’s family immediately took the victim to the clinic where he later succumbed to his injuries.
A murder case was opened at Matsulu Police Station and the minor suspect was later located and arrested that day around 15:00.
Currently probation officers were brought on board to assist as the case involves a minor and the suspect will undergo some kind of assessment in due course then more details regarding his court appearance will be communicated accordingly.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela was saddened by the minor’s murder. “This incident is uncalled for and in a way, the ordeal depicts some kind of moral decay in our society. We call on community leaders, spiritual leaders, and opinion leaders to work together with the state organs in restoring the moral fibre of the society” said Lieutenant General Manamela.
