Key Takeaways
- A 20-year-old man, Kerwin Burt, was stabbed to death with a pair of scissors by his friend in Valhalla Park, Kalksteenfontein.
- The incident occurred after a drunken argument between the two friends at a party.
- The suspect, an 18-year-old, was arrested and will appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court on a murder charge.
- The community is in shock and has called for an end to violence, urging young people to use their words instead of resorting to violence.
- The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Introduction to the Tragedy
A tragic incident occurred in Valhalla Park, Kalksteenfontein, where a party ended in tragedy for two friends and their families. Kerwin Burt, 20, was allegedly stabbed with a pair of scissors by his friend after a "drunken argument" on Sunday at about 4:40 am. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many calling for an end to violence and urging young people to use their words instead of resorting to violence.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
According to Daily Voice sources, the argument between Burt and his friend was fueled by a long night of partying. Subcouncil 15 Chairperson Angus McKenzie explained that the combination of bad decisions and too many drinks led to the tragic consequences. McKenzie stated, "A friendship that survived many things could not survive the combination of bad decisions and too many drinks, and the consequences of this ‘hangover’ will last far longer than any night out." The victim died on the scene, and the perpetrator was immediately arrested and will now face a murder charge.
Police Investigation and Response
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said that the circumstances surrounding the stabbing incident are under investigation. Van Wyk reported that a 20-year-old male was found with a stab wound to the neck and was declared dead on the scene by medical personnel. The police received a complaint about the body lying on the pavement, and upon arrival, the community pointed out the body of a male lying facing up with one stab wound in the right side of his neck. The motive for the incident forms part of the police investigation, and an 18-year-old suspect was arrested and will appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court on a murder charge.
Community Reaction and Call to Action
Bishop Lavis Community Policing Forum (CPF) Chairperson, Amanda Davids, expressed her sadness at the incident, stating that two young people’s lives are over. Davids said, "The perpetrator is 17 or 18, and the victim is 20 years old. The mother of the perpetrator took him to SAPS when she heard what happened. We really need to teach our youth to use their words and not violence." The community is urging anyone with information about the fatal incident to come forward and contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.
Conclusion and Reflection
The incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of using words instead of resorting to violence. The community is in shock, and the families of the victim and the perpetrator are left to pick up the pieces. As Subcouncil 15 Chairperson Angus McKenzie stated, "Our deepest condolences go to the family and friends of the victim, whose party ended in the most heartbreaking way imaginable." The incident highlights the need for education and awareness about the dangers of violence and the importance of teaching young people to resolve conflicts peacefully.