Takatokwane police probe 'injury-related death' months after attack
Pini Bothoko | Tuesday June 23, 2026 13:13
The deceased was allegedly stabbed during a fight that broke out whilst he and six other young men were playing cards on January 24, 2026.
The disagreement reportedly escalated into a physical fight, leaving him with stab wounds to the abdomen and hands.
Confirming the development, Takatokwane Police Station Commander, Superintendent Douglas Khumalo, said police had initially responded to the incident and ensured that the victim received medical attention.
'After receiving the report on January 24, we took the victim to hospital, where he was treated and later discharged,' Khumalo said.
He explained that on Thursday, the deceased's mother reported that her son had passed away, claiming that his death was linked to the injuries he sustained during the January attack.
'Following the report, we reopened the case and took the six young men into custody for investigations. At this stage, we cannot conclusively say that he died as a result of the injuries sustained in January. We are awaiting a post-mortem examination to establish the exact cause of death,' Khumalo said.
However, he said according to the deceased's mother, her son had not fully recovered and had been experiencing health complications ever since the stabbing incident.
Khumalo said the outcome of the post-mortem examination will determine the direction of the investigations.
'If the post-mortem confirms that the deceased succumbed to the injuries sustained during the January incident, the six suspects will be investigated for murder. However, if it is established that his death was caused by something unrelated to those injuries, the suspects will not face murder investigations in connection with his death,' he said.
Police investigations are continuing pending the results of the post-mortem examination.