Four die during bloody Christmas killings

Four residents were brutally murdered over the Christmas weekend in the city, including two 20 year old men and two women who were allegedly killed by their domestic partners. 

A member of a neighborhood watch was arrested on Monday after he allegedly stabbed his former partner and the mother of his children - Charolene Lawan on December 29 in Homevale. 

It is believed that the deceased sustained multiple stab wounds and that the suspect apparently tried to commit suicide following the incident.  

SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Sergeant Merapelo Pilane confirmed that the police in Roodepan were investigating a case of murder of a 35 year old woman who was reportedly stabbed to death in Homevale in Kimberley. 

“Preliminary investigation indicates that during the early hours of Monday morning, December 29, the deceased was involved in an argument with the suspect.” 

He said a 35 year old male suspect was arrested and charged with murder.

“He is expected to appear in the Kimberley magistrates court soon,” Pilane stated.

Murder investigation at Roodepan flats 

The body of Megan Kleintjie was found at Christine Court at the Roodepan flats on December 26  following an alleged altercation with her husband.  

While it was initially believed that she had suffered a heart attack, family members insisted that a post mortem be conducted due to suspicions of domestic violence.

A relative indicated that it was discovered that she had been stabbed at the back of her shoulder. 

“There was no visible blood as a result of the stab wound as she suffered internal injuries.  Kleintjie also sustained injuries on her forehead and both sides of her head. After she was assaulted Kleintjie managed to get away and alert her friend. She later collapsed in the corridor.” 

She added that Kleintjie was survived by three daughters aged 15, 13 and eight years old. 

SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane stated that the body of a 31 year old female was reportedly discovered inside a flat in Roodepan.

"The Roodepan SAPS Serious and Violence Crimes Unit are investigating a murder case after the police  attended to a complaint of murder on Friday, December 26 at 7.30am in Roodepan.

 “A 36 year old man has been arrested in connection with the incident. Police investigations are continuing,” he said. 

Two women killed, one crisis: femicide and Intimate partner violence must be stopped

Director of the Shaine Griqua Advice and Development Centre Shaine Griqua condemned the cruel death of Megan Kleintjie from Roodepan and Charolene Lawan from Homevale.

“Both young women who are mothers’ of young children whose lives were taken during alleged acts of intimate partner violence. These are not isolated incidents — they are part of a deadly and escalating femicide crisis in South Africa.”

He expressed concerns over claims that both deceased were involved in abusive relationships. 

“Their death exposes how potentially toxic relationships, untreated violent behaviour, and ignored warning signs continue to cost women their lives. We are alarmed at the high prevalence of intimate partner violence and the 'normalisation' of abuse, Complainants often withdraw cases as they are driven by fear, manipulation, intimidation, ort a lack of adequate protection. Women are forced to survive in a society where systems repeatedly fail them.” 

Griqua called for speedy trials to ensure that the alleged perpetrators of violence against women faced consequences for their actions.  

“Children are left to grow up without their mothers, families and communities are shattered and traumatised.” 

He called for urgent psychosocial support for the children, families, friends and loved ones of both bereaved families. 

“Victims and survivors of GBVF who need support are encouraged to contact the Shaine Griqua Advice and Development Centre for online counselling and psychosocial support service on the WhatsApp number 062 299 6061,” Griqua added.

Bleak Christmas following fatal stabbing

A grieving mother Nokhanya Bogacwe was tasked with collecting the body of her 20 year old son from the police mortuary on Christmas Day. 

She said her son Zenzile Joseph Junior Bogacwe,20 was allegedly robbed and fatally stabbed in the chest on December 23 at around 3 am in Galeshewe.

Bogacwe believed that her son was lured to a meeting to collect money for his goats at the time of the murder. 

“A suspect came to tell me that he killed my son whom he called a ‘dog’ as if he was not even a human being.”

She added that the suspect was arrested but was later released. 

“No one is being held accountable for my son’s senseless murder. We have to pretend that everything is normal when we walk past his house while he swore and shouted at us and told us that the case has no merit and nothing will happen to him.”

The uMkhonto Wesize (MK) party in the Northern Cape extended its condolences to the Bogacwe family.

“We are mourning the loss and senseless violence that took the life of Junior Bogacwe. We stand in solidarity with the Bogacwe family in their grief. May his memory live on through the fight for justice and values that he believed in.” 

Young man dies during suspected mob squad attack

A 20 year old man died after he was assaulted during an alleged case of vigilantism in Tshwene Street, Galeshewe on December 23. 

A community member believed that it was a case of mob justice. 

SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe indicated that the  Galeshewe SAPS were investigating a case of murder.

“The docket is still with the state prosecutor, and court processes have commenced,” he said. 

Constituency Officer William Mothibi said that while community based crime fighters played an important role in combating crime, any deaths that occurred as a result of such  operations had serious implications.