Brave boy, 9, dies trying to protect his mother

A NINE-year-old boy was stabbed to death after he apparently tried to protect his mother, who was also fatally stabbed during the attack.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the incident took place in Cassel Village outside Kuruman.

“The accused, Keobakile Matshidiso, 28, is alleged to have stabbed both the mother and her son to death. Reports indicate that Philip Pule, 9, attempted to protect his mother, Sylvia Pule, from an alleged attempted rape, leading to his death. The accused was arrested following a swift response by the South African Police Service (SAPS). Pule and her son were laid to rest on October 25,” said Senokoatsane.

He indicated that Matshidiso appeared in the Mothibistad Magistrate’s Court on October 27, where he was charged with two counts of murder.

“The matter was postponed until October 31 for the accused to undergo a one-day psychiatric observation. He remains in custody until his next appearance in the district court. The NPA is committed to ensuring justice is served and will vigorously support the investigation and prosecution. Human life is invaluable, and we will pursue such cases relentlessly to deter potential offenders,” Senokoatsane added.

The case echoes the 2016 murder of six-year-old "hero boy" Kutlwano Garesape in Jan Kempdorp, who died while trying to defend his mother during an attempted rape. That case shocked the Northern Cape and the nation, and the attacker, Tefelo Dikole, was later sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and a further seven years for attempted rape.