Durban - A 16-year-old suspect has been arrested for fatally stabbing another 16-year-old boy outside a corner shop on Southvale Avenue, in Phoenix.
Phoenix Police Station spokesperson Captain Louise Naidoo said the teenagers had allegedly been arguing over whose district they were in. A fight had ensued.
“As they continued fighting, the suspect took out a butterfly knife. The victim advanced towards the suspect and the suspect stabbed him once in the chest.
“The victim was then taken to a clinic (and declared) dead on arrival. The murder weapon was entered in the SAPS 13 register,” said Naidoo.
Meanwhile, a witness to the murder, who asked to remain anonymous, said she had been with the suspect and another friend at the time of the murder.
“The three of us were at the shop.The victim and a girl walked pass us. They looked at us and our friend said they were looking at us,” the witness said.
“About half-an-hour later, they walked past us again. The suspect and victim started arguing and talking about districts. Our friend went to the victim by the shop. The suspect and victim continued to argue. I didn’t realise the suspect had a goni (knife). The victim came towards the suspect, the suspect flicked the goni and the victim got poked. I don’t even know where the suspect got a goni from.
“The victim went into the shop and then we heard he died outside the shop. The suspect was scared, so he ran away, and I went with him to the (Phoenix) plaza. His family came and took us to the police station. I’m shocked. Blood was all over, and I didn’t know what to do.”
Kavendran Madurai, also a witness to the incident, explained what he saw.
“They were arguing over sections. The victim went inside the shop. I went to him to resolve the matter. When he came out, they (the victim and suspect) were arguing and that’s how this happened,” Madurai said.
Keith Govender, the suspect’s uncle, said justice must be served.
“I got a call around 3pm, saying my nephew stabbed someone and he was rushed (for medical care). A few minutes later, I got another call saying he had passed away. I had goosebumps,” Govender said.
“It’s hurtful that a child lost his life. It’s shocking to know my nephew stabbed someone. My brothers took him to the police station. We didn’t know he had a knife. He did the wrong thing. This area isn’t a nice place. I want to pass on my condolences to the family and offer my support to them. I also lost a child and I know how hard it is.”
Police are investigating a case of murder.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE