MOPANI – The police in Mopani have arrested a 15-year-old boy and charged him with murder. This follows an incident that took place at the Sekororo village in the Maake area near Tzaneen on Saturday, March 19, at about 19:00.

According to the communication officer for the police in the area, Const Sylvia Hlungwane, it is alleged that on the day of the incident the deceased, Emmanuel Moage (18), was playing with the suspect in the street. According to the police statement, an argument ensued between the two.

The centre of the argument could not be established. The argument later gave rise to a fistfight. The situation took an ugly turn when the suspect allegedly picked up an empty bottle of beer and hit the deceased on the head with it.

He collapsed due to severe bleeding. He was later rushed to the nearby Sekororo Hospital for medical treatment where he was admitted. According to the police statement, his parents were not happy about the medical treatment he was receiving at the hospital.

Last Thursday, March 24, the deceased’s parents went to the hospital and requested the doctors to discharge him prematurely. They allegedly took him to a local private doctor’s surgery for further medical examination. Realizing that his condition was critical, the private doctor referred the deceased to the Letaba Hospital.

He died in hospital shortly after admission. The suspect has been on the run from the date of the incident. He was arrested over the weekend and charged with murder. He was still to appear in court at the time of going to the press while the police were investigating the matter further.