A rugby match in Langebaan last Saturday ended in tragedy when a spectator was stabbed to death.

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.

She explains: “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 [between Langebaan Rugby Football Club and St Helena Bay RFC].

“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.

She adds: “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.”

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

Van Rooi says: “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.

It said: “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.

He reports: “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.”