Friendship turns fatal: Man stabbed during drunken argument in Valhalla Park

A weekend celebration in Valhalla Park ended in tragedy when a man allegedly stabbed his friend in the neck during the early hours of Sunday morning. 

Police have since confirmed that an 18-year-old suspect was arrested.

Kerwin Burt, 20, was reportedly stabbed with a pair of scissors by his friend after a “drunken argument” on Sunday at about 4.40am in Valhalla Park, Kalksteenfontein.

According to the Cape Argus' sister publication,  the Daily Voice's sources, it is alleged that Burt and his friend were drinking and had an argument which led to the suspect stabbing the deceased.

Subcouncil 15 Chairperson Angus McKenzie said the argument was fueled by a long night of partying. McKenzie explained: “The victim died on the scene, and the perpetrator was immediately arrested and will now face a murder charge.

“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.

“Our deepest condolences go to the family and friends of the victim, whose party ended in the most heartbreaking way imaginable.”

Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk said that circumstances surrounding the stabbing incident is under investigation.

Van Wyk reported: “A 20-year-old male was found with a stab wound to the neck are under investigation. Bishop Lavis police registered a murder case for investigation. He was declared dead on the scene by medical personnel.

“According to reports SAPS members received a complaint of the body laying on the pavement at the mentioned address and on arrival the community pointed out the body of a male facing up with one stab wound in the right side of his neck.”

Van Wyk confirmed that a suspect is expected to appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrates' Court on a charge of murder.

He added that the motive for the incident forms part of the police investigation and [waiting on arrest confirmation.] Anyone with information about this fatal incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.

A source close to the investigation told the Daily Voice that the suspect’s mother handed him over to the police.

The source said: “It is very sad that two young people's lives are over. 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.”

Anyone with information about this fatal incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.

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