Man, 21, killed during Spring Day water fight in Gauteng

A 21-year-old man has died after allegedly being stabbed during a confrontation with a 53-year-old man while a group of young people were celebrating Spring Day in Refilwe, Cullinan, on Tuesday.

Spring Day celebrations have turned fatal after a 21-year-old man from Extension 3, Refilwe, in Cullinan, Gauteng, died after splashing water on a 53-year-old man.

Traditionally, Spring Day is marked by children playfully spraying each other with water.

In recent years, however, the practice has increasingly involved adults, with some incidents turning unpleasant or dangerous.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said it was reported that a group of young people were celebrating Spring Day by pouring water over passing pedestrians when a squabble erupted after they attempted to pour water over a man.

She said that during the altercation, the man allegedly stabbed Nyathi before fleeing the scene.

“Members of the community apprehended the suspect a short distance away and he was assaulted before police arrived.”

“The suspect was taken to a local clinic for medical attention and was subsequently placed under arrest.”

The man, who, according to reports, is Nyathi’s neighbour, is expected to appear before the Cullinan Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, September 3, facing a charge of murder.

Nevhuhulwi said the circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation.

“The police urge members of the community to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to allow the police to deal with criminal incidents through lawful processes.”

Meanwhile, videos showing incidents of children celebrating Spring Day across Gauteng on Monday have been circulating on social media.

The incidents have raised concerns about whether what was once seen as innocent childhood fun is becoming more reckless and dangerous.

In the videos, children can be seen splashing water at passing pedestrians, cars and delivery bikes.