George left reeling after two fatal child stabbings
THE George communities of Thembalethu and Conville have been left reeling in shock following two child murders at the weekend.
The two murders were on the roll at the George Magistrate's Court yesterday, where Zipho Nqoko, 23, appeared for the murder of his girlfriend's child – an 8-year-old boy, while a 14-year-old boy appeared in connection with the stabbing of a 12-year-old boy.
Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said the14-year-old murder accused was released into his parents care following his court appearance yesterday.
He faces a charge of murder after stabbing another boy in the chest.
The matter has been postponed to September 28.
Pojie said the accused was arrested after his parents handed him over to police.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased, Austin Kiewiets, from Korhaan Street, Conville, and his friends were escorting a friend to his residence when the suspect accosted him in Tinktinkie Street.
“It is alleged that the suspect drew a knife and stabbed Austin in the left side of his chest.
“The suspect fled the scene on foot. However, within an hour after the incident, his parents handed him over to the Conville Police. He was assessed by a social worker,” Pojie had said.
Meanwhile, Nqoko faces a murder charge for killing his girlfriend's child, Imange Jantjies, following a domestic dispute.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the matter was postponed to August 30 for bail information.
Pojie said: “Upon entry of the residence situated in the informal settlement in Zone 7, members made the gruesome discovery of the boy who had already succumbed to multiple injuries to the body. Members on scene also found the alleged murder weapon, a knife inside the residence. The knife was handed in as evidence.”
These incidents come just a week after a Thembalethu woman was allegedly raped and assaulted by Nkosiphethile Magula, 38, her partner, after they had been involved in an altercation.
While condemning the acts of violence and gender-based violence, Eden cluster commander Oswald Reddy said: “Bail must be opposed at all costs.”
Thembalethu ward councillor Sivuyile Dlikilili said residents were still in disbelief.
“This is a very bad experience for the victims and the community alike.
“It is shocking that these incidents are occurring, especially during (Women's) Month. There needs to be serious intervention for boy children and men who make themselves guilty of such acts.
Dlikilili said there was a need for departments to act collaboratively in an effort to combat such crimes.
“We shouldn't wait for something to happen before we decide to take action. We don't condone instances of communities taking the law into their own hands when such crimes occur but we can be grateful that the community did not act in such a manner. We want the perpetrators to face the full might of the law,” said Dlikilili.
CPF spokesperson Xolani Henge echoed the sentiments.
“We are disturbed, dismayed and disgusted by these crimes that have plagued our community in recent weeks. We cannot express just how much we are upset but we condemn all these acts with the contempt they deserve.”