“They just went to get something to eat.”

These were the words of a family member of the 21-year-old man who was murdered at the McDonald’s drive-through in Courtenay Street at about 02:25 on Sunday (27 September).

What was supposed to be a fun night out with friends turned into a nightmare as a young life was lost in a violent attack in a city long perceived as safe, reports the George Herald.

The fatal stabbing, which followed an alleged confrontation, has left the community shocked.

The deceased’s identity is being withheld at the request of his family, who have raised safety concerns while the police investigation continues. His parents are also too distraught to speak to the media at this stage.

According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Chris Spies, police have registered a murder docket following the altercation.

The 21-year-old sustained a stab wound to the chest. He was taken to hospital, where he was later declared dead.

One of the other young men, also in his 20s, sustained a stab wound to his upper body and received medical attention. The third young man sustained minor injuries.

2 in custody

Police initially arrested five men at the scene for ‘riotous behaviour’ and questioned them in connection with the murder.

Two of them, Justin Jafta (27) and Craig Nelson (28) have since been kept in custody and are facing charges of murder and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

They made their first appearance in the George Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 29 September, when the case was postponed to Thursday, 1 October, for a bail application. The accused remain in custody.

The circumstances surrounding the confrontation are still being investigated.

According to a source familiar with the incident, the three young men had stopped at the 24-hour drive-through to get some food before returning home after a night out when they were allegedly confronted by a group of men. An altercation allegedly followed, and the three friends got out of their vehicle and attempted to defuse the situation.

The source said there were allegedly six men involved against the three young men, and that the attackers were armed with knives and a broken bottle.

Two of the young men allegedly managed to get away from their attackers. When they returned to assist their friend, he had already suffered the fatal stab wound to his chest.

These details have not been confirmed by police and form part of the ongoing investigation.

Deeply loved

“He was only 21 years old. A deeply Christian young man, with a strong faith in God. He was a kind, gentle, peace-loving and warm-hearted soul whose life was taken far too soon,” says the family member. “He made a big impact on every person whose life he crossed, and he was deeply loved by everyone who knew him.”

The family thanked the George Police for their response to the incident.

They have asked for privacy and appealed to anyone who witnessed the incident or has photographs, video footage or other recordings from the evening to provide these directly to the investigating officers.

McDonald’s responds

Millicent Maroga, impact director at McDonald’s South Africa, said the company was deeply saddened by the incident and extended its condolences to the deceased’s family, friends and loved ones.

“The safety and well-being of our employees and customers remain our highest priority, and [we are] fully co-operating with the South African Police Service as they conduct their investigation into this matter,” she said.

“The company’s thoughts and sympathies are with all those affected by the loss.”

Maroga did not respond to a question about increased security at the establishment, particularly during the night.

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