A Morabaraba game played by 12-year-old friends turned deadly when one of the kids fatally stabbed the other with a beer bottle. It's alleged that three boys from Matsulu outside Mbombela in Mpumalanga were playing the game on Tuesday morning when an argument ensued between two of the boys.

SAPS provincial spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said according to one of the three boys who witnessed the incident, a scuffle started between his two friends when one of the children slapped the other with an open hand. "The one assaulted, in retaliation is said to have grabbed two broken beer bottles then allegedly stabbed the victim multiple times on his body, using both bottles. Mohlala said, thereafter it is said that the child suspect fled the scene while the third child reported the matter to the victim's family. "The victim's family immediately took the victim to the clinic where he later succumbed to his injuries. A murder case was opened at Matsulu Police Station and the minor suspect was later located and arrested that day around 15h00. Currently, probation officers were brought on board to assist as the case involves a minor and the suspect will undergo some kind of assessment in due course then more details regarding his court appearance will be communicated accordingly, " he said. Meanwhile, the Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela was saddened by the minor's murder. "This incident is uncalled for and in a way, the ordeal depicts some kind of moral decay in our society. We call on community leaders, spiritual leaders, and opinion leaders to work together with the state organs in restoring the moral fiber of the society" said the General.