Staff Reporter
A 12-year-old boy from Odendaalsrus in the northern Free State was arrested on Friday night after allegedly stabbing another boy following an argument over a game of gambling.
It is believed that the deceased, Lebohang Malgas, 15, and the alleged killer were playing a gambling game on the street at Blok 7, Kutlwanong township in Odendaalsrus on Friday at about 19:30 when the incident occurred.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Sam Makhele said in a statement the two then engaged in a heated argument and the 12-year-old went home.
“On his return he allegedly pulled out a pocket knife and stabbed Lebohang in the chest,” he said in the statement.
“The victim fell and was declared dead at the scene.”
The deceased was a Grade 9 learner while the 12-year-old suspect is in Grade 6.
They were at separate schools in Kutlwanong.
Makhele said the minor suspect was arrested and charged with murder, but was released into the custody of his guardian pending his court appearance at the Odendaalsrus Magistrates Court on Monday.