NGOVHELA – The Thohoyandou police have arrested a 17-year-old youth and charged him with murder and attempted murder. This follows an incident that took place during a drinking spree at Ngovhela village last Friday night, at about 21:00.

According to the police spokesperson in the Vhembe Area, Capt Ailwei Mushavhanamadi, the suspect was drinking beer with the deceased and two other men. An argument started between the suspect and the deceased. The cause of the argument could not be established.

The statement indicates that during the argument, the suspect produced a knife and stabbed the deceased several times in the chest. He died on the scene. The suspect allegedly went on to stab the other two men, after realising that the deceased was in fact dead.

The second victim, a 27-year-old man, was seriously wounded during the incident. According to the police statement, he was still in a critical condition at the time of going to press.

The third victim, a 21-year-old man, was treated and discharged from the hospital the following morning.

The suspect was arrested at the scene, moments after the incident. He was still to appear in court at the time of going to press. The deceased was identified as Nthomeni Tshiwandimoni (25) from Ngovhela village.

In a separate incident, the police in Musina have arrested a 34-year-old man and charged him with murder. The case related to an incident which took place at a local bar lounge on Sunday at about 05:30. According to a police statement, the deceased, accompanied by another man, was busy drinking beer. An argument ensued between the two, and moments later, they started to fight with fists. The suspect arrived at the scene during the argument. The statement indicates that the suspect picked up a piece of broken bottle and stabbed the deceased in the chest. He died instantly.

The deceased was identified as Jimmy Mukwevho. The suspect was arrested on Monday, and was still to appear in court at the time of going to press.