Meanwhile, the acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, condemned the and welcomed the arrest of the suspect.
“It is disappointing that despite numerous warnings regarding the careful use of fireworks, some members of the community continue to act recklessly to an extent of even discharging fireworks in a tavern and a person ends up losing a life. We send our condolences to the bereaved family and want to assure the public that we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served,” warned Major GePolice in Lethabong near Rustenburg, North West, are investigating a case of murder and malicious damage to property, after a 38-year-old man was killed in a dispute over the ignition of firecrackers.
According to the police, the incident took place in the early hours of the new year when patrons were at a tavern in Lethabong, allegedly quarrelled with some individuals, who were also inside the tavern, after they ignited fireworks.
“Those who were against this confronted them, which led to a fight that started inside the tavern and then moved outside. During the commotion, a 38-year-old victim was stabbed with a sharp object and died instantly.
“Thereafter, a group that was with the deceased allegedly attacked the suspect, who managed to flee the scene on foot. The group then identified the suspect’s vehicle that was parked nearby, and set it alight,” said the provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane.
Tselanyane said upon learning that his vehicle was set alight and fearing to return to the tavern, the suspect then went to the police station to seek help.
“After being identified as a murder suspect, he was immediately arrested and detained. The 45-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane on 5 January 2026 on a charge of murder. The possibility of further arrests is not ruled out,” explained Tselanyane.
