21-year-old to appear in court over Spring Valley tuck shop killing

A 21-year-old man is due to appear at the eMalahleni Magistrate’s Court on September 1 after his arrest in connection with the death of a 39-year-old during a fight at a Spring Valley tuck shop.

What happened

Police say the incident occurred on the morning of August 30 when a fight broke out at a tuck shop in Spring Valley. An eyewitness reported the argument was allegedly over a woman.

According to the police account, the suspect struck the victim on the head with a brick. The man collapsed and was declared dead at the scene by Mpumalanga EMS personnel.

Arrest and charges

The 21-year-old suspect was arrested shortly after the incident and remains in custody awaiting his first court appearance on a murder charge.

Police response

Witbank SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer David Ratau condemned the violence and urged people not to resolve personal disputes through fighting. He said:

“If someone is no longer interested in you, let them go without a fight. If whatever used to bring you together is no longer there, accept that you don’t have control over that. Refrain from fighting over issues, as you might end up facing jail regardless of what led to you committing a crime.”

Investigation status

Police have charged the suspect with murder and he is set to appear at the eMalahleni Magistrate’s Court on September 1.