A Spring Day celebration in Refilwe, Cullinan, turned deadly after a 21-year-old man was allegedly stabbed during an altercation over a water splash.
The incident happened on Tuesday in Extension 3, where a group of young people had been celebrating Spring Day by pouring water over passing pedestrians and motorists.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the group attempted to pour water over a 53-year-old man when an argument broke out.
Argument turns deadly
According to police, the disagreement escalated into a physical altercation.
Nevhuhulwi said the suspect allegedly stabbed one of the young men before fleeing the scene.
Community members then chased the suspect and caught up with him a short distance away.
Police said the man was assaulted by members of the community before officers arrived.
The 21-year-old stabbing victim was declared dead at the scene.
The 53-year-old suspect was taken to a local clinic for medical treatment following the assault.
He was later placed under arrest.
Police said he is expected to appear in the Cullinan Magistrate’s Court on Thursday on a charge of murder.
The circumstances surrounding the stabbing remain under investigation.
Police warn against vigilantism
Nevhuhulwi urged residents not to take the law into their own hands after the suspect was assaulted following the stabbing.
Police said community members should allow officers and the justice system to deal with criminal incidents through lawful processes.
The incident has brought a tragic end to what began as a Spring Day celebration involving a practice common in some Gauteng townships.
Police have not released further details about what was said during the confrontation or whether any other people were injured.
The investigation into the fatal stabbing is continuing.