A 12-year-old boy has died after being stabbed, allegedly by another 12-year-old in Matsulu C outside Mbombela, on Tuesday.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the children were playing the Morabaraba traditional board game. An argument ensued, which resulted in the one stabbing the other.

“According to information as related by another 12-year-old who reportedly witnessed the incident, the trio were playing an indigenous game, called Morabaraba, when his two friends began engaging in a brawl.

“It is further alleged that after a misunderstanding between the two, one of the children slapped the other with an open hand. The one assaulted is said to have grabbed two broken beer bottles and allegedly stabbed the victim multiple times in his body, using both bottles,” says Mohlala.

He adds that after the stabbing, the child fled the scene, while the third child reported the matter to the victim’s family.

“The victim’s family immediately took the wounded child to the clinic, where he later succumbed to his injuries,” says Mohlala.

He adds a murder case was opened at the Matsulu Police Station, and the minor suspect was later located and detained.

Probation officers were brought onboard to assist as the case involves a minor, and the suspect will undergo some kind of assessment.

This incident happened shortly after this community had complained about crime and a shortage of police in the area.