A New Year’s Day gathering in Bohlokong, near Bethlehem in the Free State, ended in tragedy after a 41-year-old man was arrested for the alleged murder of his friend following a dispute over a girlfriend.
According to provincial police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, the incident occurred on 1 January 2026 when a group of men were socialising and drinking together. What initially appeared to be a casual gathering reportedly escalated into a heated argument after accusations surfaced that the deceased was involved with the suspect’s girlfriend.
Police allege that the confrontation quickly turned violent. During the argument, both men allegedly armed themselves with tools found in a nearby garage, including a spade and a spade fork. In the chaos that followed, the suspect is accused of stabbing the victim in the face with the spade fork before fleeing the scene.
The injured man was rushed to a local hospital for urgent medical treatment. Despite efforts by medical staff, he later succumbed to his injuries. He died from an open stab wound to the face, police confirmed. Hospital staff alerted authorities, prompting an immediate police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assault.
Following the incident, the suspect reportedly handed himself over to police. He was arrested and formally charged with murder. The weapon allegedly used in the attack has been recovered and seized as evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.
The accused is expected to appear before the Bethlehem Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 5 January 2026. Police have not released further details at this stage, and the matter remains under investigation.
The case has once again highlighted how quickly disputes, particularly those fuelled by alcohol and personal relationships, can spiral into deadly violence. While police continue their work, communities in the area have been urged to resolve conflicts peacefully and to seek help before situations escalate beyond control.
