Man faces murder charge after allegedly stabbing brother with spade

A 42-year-old man from Centreville near Brits in North West Province will appear in court on Monday 4 May on charges of murder.

The man is alleged to have stabbed his 61-year-old brother to death after an argument turned violent.

After sustaining the stab wounds it is alleged that the deceased tried to flee the scene but collapsed and died before emergency services arrived.

The suspect took flight immediately but witnesses alerted the community who apprehended the man and handed him over to the South African Police Service.

“A 42-year-old man is expected to appear in the Brits Magistrates’ Court on Monday 4 May 2020 for the alleged murder of his brother,” SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said in a statement on Friday 1 May.

“It is alleged that the suspect fought with his 61-year-old brother after they had a quarrel on Thursday, 30 April 2020 in Centreville, Letlhabile near Brits.

“During the fight, the suspect allegedly got hold of a garden spade which he used to stab the victim several times. Although the victim managed to run away, he collapsed and died on the street.

“The suspect ran away immediately after the horrific incident, but was apprehended by members of the community and handed him over to the police.”

Murder accused handed over to SAPS

The incident could very easily have turned into an incident of mob justice but North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Sello Kwena praised members of the community for handing the suspect over to authorities unharmed.

“The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident,” said Brigadier Mokgwabone. 

“He commended members of the community for apprehending and handing over the suspect to the police without taking the law into their own hands.

Ward councillor arrested as part of North West gang of louts

Elsewhere in North West Province, a Ward Councillor was among ten men arrested for a spate of violent incidents that followed the death of a child struck by a police vehicle.

“Following the recent acts of violence in Boikhutso Location, police in Lichtenburg successfully traced and arrested ten suspects including a 39-year-old Ward Councillor.

“On Monday, 27 April 2020, a total of nine suspects aged between 18 and 23 were arrested for crimes ranging from malicious damage to property, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), theft to possession of suspected stolen goods.  

“Consequently, the Ward Councillor was apprehended on Wednesday, 29 April 2020 after being linked to malicious damage to property, theft and assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). 

“The crimes were allegedly committed on Tuesday, 21 April 2020. That after a police vehicle allegedly hit an eight-year-old boy who was certified dead on the scene. Afterwards, two police vehicles, as well as an ambulance, were burnt while goods were looted from several tuck-shops.

“During the arrests, one suspect was found in possession of a spare wheel and a set of handcuffs while the other two were found in possession of suspected stolen groceries.  

“The suspects appeared in the Lichtenburg Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 28 and Thursday, 30 April 2020. They were all remanded in custody until Tuesday, 5 May 2020 for formal bail application.

General Kwena lauded the police for their tireless efforts in ensuring that the perpetrators are apprehended. 

“The North West Provincial Commissioner warned that the police will continue to work hard to make certain that those who undermine the authority of the State including public office bearers, are dealt with harshly.”