A RUGBY match in Langebaan, Western Cape, turned tragic when an 18-year-old spectator, whose family resides in Upington, was fatally stabbed in an unprovoked attack, leaving his loved ones devastated as police investigate.

The Western Cape rugby teams Langebaan Rugby Football Club (RFC) and St Helena Bay RFC were playing on Saturday, March 15, when the incident occurred.

Tributes have been pouring in on social media after the victim was identified as Ryan Don Samuels, 18, from Vredenburg.

His eldest sister, Berenique Diergaardt, said the last time she spoke to him, he asked for prayers.

“My mother and I called him on Saturday. He told us he was in Langebaan visiting our brother, who is a police officer. He said he needed prayers because the Langebaan community was not welcoming to outsiders.

“The next call we got from Langebaan was from our cousin, also an officer, who told us Ryan had been stabbed and was lying on the field - alone.

“He had gone to visit our brother for the weekend, and while his brother was working a day shift, he decided to watch the rugby match. I called my brother, and he said he would turn around. When he arrived, Ryan was lying in his blood.

“There were so many people in that stadium, yet he was alone. No one helped him, no one sat with him in his darkest hour.”

The distraught sister explained that when their brother arrived at the scene, he tried to wake Ryan, but it was too late.

“All the stab wounds were from behind. Ryan fell, and then the suspect sat on him and stabbed him again - he intended to kill.

“There wasn’t a fight. He didn’t argue with anyone or even know anyone there. The suspect was just looking for a fight.

“I was informed that Ryan kept asking, ‘What did I do? Why are you stabbing me?’ because when he was attacked, he was just talking to someone.”

Diergaardt described her brother as someone who loved dancing and music.

“He was always dancing. He was in matric last year and was so excited about it. He was working at Shoprite while figuring out his future.

“We don’t live in Vredenburg anymore - we’re in Upington. Ryan stayed with my mother’s friends after we moved when he was in Grade 11.

“He was a hustler. He wanted to make money and refused to join the army or become a police officer.

“He was the apple of our eye. My mom is in pieces - we all are. When your child is far from you, you always pray for them because the world we live in is not safe.”

Boland Rugby Union President Bennie van Rooi expressed deep sadness over the tragedy.

“We are working closely with all relevant authorities as an investigation is under way. The safety and well-being of everyone at Boland Club rugby venues remain our priority.

“Further updates will be provided as appropriate. We ask that the privacy of those affected be respected during this time.”

St Helena Bay RFC also shared condolences.

“There are no words to ease the pain of losing someone so young. But please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of St Helena Bay Rugby Club and its supporters.”

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, confirmed that Langebaan detectives have registered a murder case.

“The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

“We can confirm that a 28-year-old male was arrested in connection with the murder and will appear in court once charged.”

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'No one helped him': Teen's tragic death at rugby match shocks community