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Police crime scene tape.
In the early hours of New Year’s morning, a 38-year-old man was stabbed to death outside a tavern in Lethabong in the North West after a fight broke out over fireworks.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane says patrons were setting off fireworks inside the establishment.
They were confronted by another group who did not approve of their actions and a fight broke out.
During the commotion, the victim was stabbed with a sharp object and died on the scene.
Tselenyane says the suspect fled the scene on foot while angry patrons set fire to his vehicle.
“Allegedly, after the suspect learned that his vehicle has been set alight and fearing to return to the tavern, he went to the police station to seek help. After being identified as a murder suspect, he was immediately arrested and detained,” says Tselenyane.
The police have registered two dockets, one of murder and the other of malicious damage to property.
#sapsNW Police in Lethabong near Rustenburg have registered two dockets, one of murder and the other of malicious damage to property.
It is alleged that on 01 January 2026, a victim was stabbed at a tavern after a fight broke out about fireworks were ignited. Thereafter, a… pic.twitter.com/43zovuseAY
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) January 1, 2026
