Gauteng Police Warn That Splashing People With Water Can Be A Criminal Offence
Gauteng police have issued a legal warning over Spring Day water fights, saying deliberately splashing another person with water can amount to common assault.
The warning follows a wave of water-splashing incidents across the province that have gone beyond traditional celebrations.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that a person who pours water over someone without their consent could face a criminal complaint, IOL reveals.
However, police had not received any formal cases relating specifically to the water-splashing incidents when the warning was issued.
Also Read: Spring Day Water-Splashing Dispute Turns Deadly As 21-Year-Old Tshepang Nyathi Is Stabbed In Gauteng
Victims Can Report The Conduct
Nevhuhulwi said anyone affected would need to approach police and provide a formal statement.
That would give investigators grounds to examine the circumstances and determine whether an offence had been committed.
The clarification comes as videos of this year’s Spring Day celebrations continue circulating online.
Some footage shows children and young people targeting pedestrians, motorists and delivery riders with buckets of water.
The behaviour has prompted debate over whether a tradition associated with youthful fun has become increasingly dangerous.
Celebrations Spill Over Onto Public Transport
The situation has also caused problems for Tshwane Bus Service.
Two buses were damaged during separate incidents in Lotus Gardens and Danville on September 1.
In Lotus Gardens, a group reportedly obstructed a road and confronted the driver of bus 1055.
Some individuals then climbed onto the vehicle, causing damage.
Another group in Danville targeted bus 1111 with water and buckets.
A stone was also thrown at the bus, breaking one of its side windows.
The incidents left both vehicles unavailable for service.
Hundreds Of Passengers Affected
The City of Tshwane said the removal of the buses would add pressure to an already constrained public transport network.
More than 300 passengers were affected, including pupils and students who depend on the service.
The municipality warned that such conduct can endanger passengers, drivers and other road users.
It also pointed out that damaging municipal property is itself a criminal offence.
Tshwane said it would work with law enforcement to pursue those responsible for the damage.
Parents and communities have been urged to discourage destructive behaviour during celebrations.
Water Fight Ends In Fatal Confrontation
The wider controversy was further intensified by a deadly incident in Refilwe, Cullinan.
Police said a group had been splashing passing pedestrians when they attempted to involve a 53-year-old man.
A confrontation followed, during which the man allegedly stabbed 21-year-old Tshepang Nyathi.
The suspect reportedly fled but was caught by community members nearby.
He was assaulted before police arrived and was later taken to a clinic for treatment.
Nyathi was declared dead at the scene.
The suspect was subsequently arrested and is facing a murder charge.
He was expected to appear before the Cullinan Magistrates’ Court.
Police said the circumstances surrounding the killing remain under investigation.
Nevhuhulwi also warned residents against retaliating or administering their own form of justice.
Authorities Urge Safer Celebrations
The incidents have placed renewed attention on how Spring Day is celebrated in some Gauteng communities.
What begins as water being thrown for fun can quickly create risks when strangers, moving vehicles or public transport become targets.
Authorities are therefore calling for celebrations that respect other people’s safety and property.
Police have urged anyone who believes they were unlawfully assaulted to report the matter rather than retaliate.
Tshwane has similarly called on residents to celebrate without damaging infrastructure or disrupting public services.