“It's a Criminal Offence”: Gauteng Police Warn of Legal Consequences of Pouring Water on Someone
- A 21-year-old man died after a Spring Day water-splashing incident in Cullinan, Gauteng, on 1 September 2026
- Gauteng police confirmed that splashing water on someone without consent constitutes common assault
- A 53-year-old suspect, who is allegedly the victim's neighbour, faced a murder charge at Cullinan Magistrates' Court
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Source: Getty Images
A young man lost his life during Spring Day celebrations in Cullinan, Gauteng, after a water-splashing prank ended in a fatal stabbing. The incident has since prompted police to issue a formal warning about the legal consequences of pouring water on others.
Spring Day splashing carries legal consequences
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that splashing water on a person without their consent is a criminal offence. She told IOL:
"Yes, it is a criminal offence, (common assault) to pour water on someone but no one has come forth to open a case."
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She added that for any case to be investigated, the victim must be willing to open a formal case and provide a statement. Police are still investigating the full circumstances surrounding Nyathi's death.
Spring Day, traditionally a lighthearted occasion where children spray each other with water to mark the arrival of spring, has in recent years seen increasing adult participation. Some of those incidents have turned hostile or dangerous.
Source: Getty Images
Colonel Nevhuhulwi urged the public not to take the law into their own hands and to allow police to handle criminal matters through lawful processes.
Read the IOL post here.
Mzansi weighs in on the Spring Day law
South Africans had strong opinions about the incident:
@Sleven Kalev Ra wrote:
"Thank you. So the old man was defending himself... Release the man, he is a hero."
@Aubrey Dlayani Khosa said:
"That man should be released with no conditions. It was not his intention to behave. He was pushed by unreasonable persons beyond limit."
@Mpu mi added:
"No body must warn you about the laws of your own country, it's your responsibility."
@Moses Pillay commented:
"Doing something deliberately is an issue. Respect each other."
@Nthete Moalosi wrote:
"Should have told them day before spring day."
@Darryn Leaveil Sewell joked:
"South African Proverb 'He who plays with bucket, will also kick it'."
@Jasmine Arnold asked:
"How is wasting water a Spring celebration."
More Briefly News stories on Spring Day
- Youth disrupted shoppers with a Spring Day water fight at a Gauteng mall, prompting online criticism over water wastage amid Johannesburg’s water crisis.
- A Gauteng man’s car was soaked with water during a Spring Day prank while he was inside, raising questions about acceptable celebrations.
- A South African man recalled being drenched, struck and having his property damaged by children during Spring Day celebrations in Gauteng.
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Source: Briefly News
