According to police the suspect told them he stabbed the victim because he drank the suspect’s beer without his permission. This was after police arrested him with the murder weapon in his possession.
Police were called out to Witbank Hospital on January 18 after a person died from a knife wound to his chest while he was being rushed to the hospital.
The victim’s friend, who brought him to the hospital, took the police to Old Coronation where the murder had taken place. The suspect was apparently still at the tavern when the police arrived there, and they arrested him.
Witnesses say that the two men were actually friends.
According to Capt Eddie Hall of the Witbank SAPS most murder cases are not planned and happen suddenly, usually under the influence of drugs or alcohol. “One murder is one too many,” said Capt Hall. He added,” It is a very serious crime and the perpetrators will be brought to justice whether it be from negligence or under the influence of alcohol.”
According to police statistics there were 59 murders in eMalahleni in 2011, and 68 murders in 2012 and 2013. Old Coronation, Klarinet and Pine Ridge stand out as areas where violent crimes such as assaults, and murders occurs.
The accused Bayanda Mbuda appeared in court earlier this week.
