A 53-year-old man accused of killing 21-year-old Tshepang Nyathi during Spring Day celebrations in Refilwe will remain behind bars after abandoning his bail application.
The accused appeared in the Cullinan Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where he chose not to proceed with his application for release on bail.
He faces a murder charge stemming from an incident in Refilwe Extension 3 on 1 September 2026.
Water celebration allegedly turned deadly
According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, a group of young people had gathered to celebrate Spring Day by throwing water at one another and passersby.
The State alleges that the group attempted to splash the accused as he walked past them.
Mahanjana said the man allegedly produced a knife and stabbed Nyathi during the confrontation.
The 21-year-old was taken to a local clinic for medical treatment but later died from his injuries.
The allegations against the accused have not yet been tested in court.
Suspect arrested at hospital
Police arrested the accused later on the same day.
According to the NPA, he was found at Ekangala Hospital, where he had gone for medical treatment after members of the community allegedly apprehended and assaulted him following the stabbing.
The NPA has not publicly disclosed the accused’s identity.
Reports cited in the source indicate that he is Nyathi’s neighbour, although the prosecuting authority has not confirmed that detail.
Case postponed for investigation
The Cullinan Magistrate’s Court postponed the case to 27 October 2026.
The additional time will allow police to continue investigating the circumstances surrounding Nyathi’s death.
No details were provided about why the accused decided to abandon his bail application or whether he could apply again at a later stage.
The case follows what began as a Spring Day water celebration before allegedly escalating into a fatal confrontation.
The accused remains in custody while the investigation continues and the murder case moves through the courts.