Alleged alcohol feud: Eswatini man dies, 3 teens arrested in Mpumalanga

A man was killed following a scuffle, allegedly over liquor, in Kamadakwa in Barberton, Mpumalanga, in the early hours of Saturday. Three suspects, aged between 18 and 19, have since been arrested.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli says the victim was an Eswatini man and his age is currently unknown.

Mdhluli adds the police and paramedics were called to the scene at about 02:00. They discovered the victim lying in a pool of blood with multiple injuries to his upper body.

“Unfortunately, he was certified dead. Items such as broken beer bottles with some bloodstains were collected at the crime scene for further investigation,” he explains.

Mdhluli says a murder case was opened and the police immediately began its investigation. Three suspects were taken into custody just a few hours later.

He adds it was during the preliminary investigation that the police had gathered information alluding to an alleged fight that reportedly broke out prior to the murder.

He says the motive behind the killing is still to be established.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court today.