The tragic final moments of 21-year-old Matlalepula Frans Moloi, of the Joe Slovo informal settlement, came at about 5pm on Saturday, September 3.
According to Reiger Park SAPS spokesperson Sgt Mashudu Phathela, the suspected killer left the spot where he was sitting and walked away to fix the generator that was being used to power electrical appliances, which were being used at the party.
It’s understood that he came back a few minutes later to find Moloi sitting in his chair.
The suspect told Moloi that he was in his seat, but Moloi apparently became irate, causing a fuss over the chair, before a heated argument ensued between the two.
Moloi reportedly slapped the suspect in the face during the argument.
“The angry suspect walked away, but the situation soon turned more violent when he came back, carrying a knife.
“This time, the suspect allegedly stabbed Moloi in the chest, in full view of the other revelers,” explained Phathela.
Moloi suffered one stab wound and he was then rushed to hospital, where he died on arrival.
Reiger Park police swiftly responded and arrested a 19-year-old man, whose name is known to the Advertiser, on suspicion of murder, following Moloi’s death.
He made his first court appearance on September 5, and the matter was postponed to Friday (September 9), for a formal bail application.
Police said the killing happened at a neighbourhood party, attended by a number of people, and included a barbecue, alcohol and dancing.
“No other people were injured in the incident, described as ‘chaotic’ by those who were present,” said Phathela.
“This kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable and we warn the community to drink responsibly and respect each other.
“It’s really shocking that people kill each other over something so trivial…a chair.”
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Meanwhile, the police in Reiger Park have also managed to arrests 33 suspects for various offences during the period between August 29 and September 5.
Below is a breakdown of the arrests made:
Theft: 2
Malicious damage to property: 2
Assault GBH: 5
Possession of illegal substance (Drugs): 10
Interfering with police duties: 1
Dealing in liquor without a licence: 3
Domestic violence: 4
Intimidation: 1
Murder: 1
Warrant of arrest: 2
Robbery: 2
