Valspan - Two friends were stabbed to death allegedly by a man after an argument erupted over a girl at the weekend.
The incident took place at Itumeleng Tavern in Valspan, Jan Kempdorp on Saturday shortly after midnight.
The distraught families and the community are demanding that bail be denied for the 22-year-old suspect when he is expected to appear in the Jan Kempdorp Magistrate’s court today.
Police spokesman, Lieutenant Sergio Kock, said both men suffered chest wounds and died on the scene.
“The police in Jan Kempdorp are investigating the double murder that took place on Saturday at about 12.40am. Two men were allegedly involved in an argument over a girl. The incident occurred at a tavern in Valspan, Jan Kempdorp where Ohentse Jakob Maragoe, 19, was fatally stabbed. His friend Olebogeng Michael Matheatau, 24, was also allegedly stabbed by the suspect after he tried to intervene.”
Kock added that the 22-year-old suspect fled the scene but was later arrested by the Jan Kempdorp detectives.
Itumeleng Ntlhang said his cousin Matheatau left the tavern and was trying to run home when the suspect stabbed him.
“He was trying to protect Maragoe. He never made it home and collapsed on the way. By the time we arrived on the scene, he was already dead.”
He added that the suspect apparently returned to the tavern and stabbed Maragoe.
“We do not know the suspect or the girl.”
Lena Maragoe, who raised Maragoe from the age of six following his mother’s death, said that she had been robbed of her grandson.
“He was such a quiet person and never fought with anyone. He left school last year in search of work and was working as a taxi driver’s assistant for a living. He had his whole life ahead of him and I thought I would experience him getting married and having a family of his own.”
Still reeling from the shock of his death, she said his whole body was soaked in blood when she was called to the scene.
“His jacket and T-shirt were soaked in blood and it appeared as if he was stabbed more than once. I buried my husband three weeks ago and now I have to bury my grandson. I do not even have money to afford another funeral.”
She added that she also did not know the suspect or the girl.
“Jakob didn’t have a girlfriend, as far as I know. Enough is enough. We are like prisoners in our own homes because we are too afraid of walking in the streets.”
A community meeting was held in Valspan on Monday following the two murders.
Residents demanded that the magistrate be removed if bail was granted.
“Too many criminals who are charged with serious crimes such as rape and murder are being released back into the community without any punishment. We cannot guarantee the safety of the suspect if he is granted bail.”
DFA