A Spring Day celebration in Refilwe, a township north of Cullinan, ended in tragedy yesterday (September 1) when an argument over water being splashed on a passer-by allegedly escalated into a fatal stabbing, reports Pretoria Rekord.

Scores of residents had gathered to mark the start of spring, with youngsters taking part in the annual tradition of splashing water on people passing by.

Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said the victim was celebrating with friends when they encountered a 33-year-old man who refused to take part in the activity.

An argument allegedly broke out after the man objected to getting wet.

“They came across a man who refused to play along. An argument started as the passer-by did not want to get wet. [The passer-by] took out a knife from his back pocket and stabbed the victim on the left side [of the] upper body,” Van Dyk said.

The victim died while being transported to hospital.

Van Dyk said the suspect was assaulted by community members after the stabbing before seeking medical treatment at Dark City Clinic in Ekangala.

“The suspect was traced at Ekangala Clinic where he was arrested,” Van Dyk said.

He has been charged with murder and is expected to appear in court soon.

Tributes have since been shared on social media for the young man, whom members of the public have identified as Tshepang Nyathi.

The incident has also prompted concern among community members about the potential dangers of water-splashing traditions, with calls for parents to discourage children and young people from behaviour that could spark confrontation.

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