GIYANI – The police in the Lowveld have arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with the death of a 17-year-old youth. The incident allegedly took place at Madeira Village in the Sekororo area, near Giyani, last Saturday evening at about 23:00.

According to a police spokesperson in the area, Insp Hasani Mabaso, it is alleged that the deceased was walking with a certain girl during the time of the incident and he allegedly held the girl's hand.

The statement further reveals that the two met the suspect in the street next to the local bar lounge. The suspect was going in the opposite direction.

The statement indicates that the suspect called the girl and requested her to come closer to him, and the girl vehemently refused. It is stated that the suspect and the girl were lovers, although she did not comply with his request.

Suddenly an argument ensued between the suspect and the deceased. The centre of the argument was, according to the statement, the allegations that the girl's refusal to go back to the suspect was influenced by the deceased. During the argument the suspect allegedly produced a knife and stabbed the deceased in the chest.

He died at the spot. The deceased was identified as Kgathajo Mamitja (17) of Madeira village. Although the incident took place on Saturday night, the suspect was arrested only on Monday afternoon. He was still to appear in court at the time of going to press.