The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Thohoyandou has launched an investigation into a tragic incident that left a 79-year-old man dead and a 52-year-old suspect hospitalised following a violent altercation.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, 02 April 2026, at approximately 01:30 in Tovhowani village.
According to preliminary police reports, the victim and the suspect were among a group of patrons consuming sorghum beer at a local shebeen. A dispute reportedly broke out between the two men, which is believed to have been sparked by a romantic affair involving the owner of the premises.
Witnesses inside the establishment reported hearing a commotion outside. Upon investigating the noise, they discovered the two men engaged in a physical fight. The elderly man had been stabbed, and the 52-year-old suspect had also sustained injuries.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and police were called to the scene. Paramedics tragically certified the 79-year-old man deceased at the scene. Police recovered a sharp object believed to have been used in the commission of the crime.
The suspect was arrested on the premises but is currently under police guard at a local hospital, where he is receiving treatment for a chest injury.
The SAPS confirmed that the suspect will face charges of murder and attempted murder. He is expected to make his first appearance before the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court as soon as he is medically cleared.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fatal stabbing are ongoing.