Cape Town - The case of a vengeful ex-boyfriend who stabbed 8-year-old Imange Jantjies 28 times to get back at the child’s mother has once again turned the spotlight on revenge killing, which child activists described as the cruellest form of punishment.
Zipho Nqoko, 24, was convicted on charges of kidnapping and premeditated murder after he was arrested in August 2021 when Imange’s body was found with multiple stab wounds to the side of his neck in Nqoko’s shack in George.
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila, Nqoko kidnapped Jantjies after his mother Annelisiwe Jantjies, 25, refused to go with him.
“He then stabbed the tiny little boy 28 times to get back at her after she terminated their romantic relationship.
“He had earlier (threatened) to kill the boy and his grandmother if his girlfriend refused to go with him,” said Ntabazalila.
Ntabazalila said State prosecutor Lenro Badenhorst proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Nqoko was a jealous, insecure and abusive boyfriend.
Nqoko was expected to be sentenced at the George Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
Dr Joan van Niekerk, a child rights and protection consultant and trainer, said they came across a similar case in the past where a child was targeted, not only with physical abuse but also sexual violence.
“I remember in particular a child who was raped by her mother’s ex-boyfriend and fell pregnant. The strong cultural norms prevented the 14-year-old girl from having a TOP (termination of pregnancy).
“She had the baby and was forced to breastfeed. Predictably, and understandably, she could not bond with this child.
“Sometimes mothers are blamed for failing to protect the child but those who point fingers should note that they are also terrified by violence and threats of violence against themselves.”
Ilitha Labantu spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali said cases like Nqoko’s happened far too often.
“This abhorrent behaviour stems from toxic masculinity that is prevalent throughout South Africa.
“We strongly believe that this behaviour needs thorough interrogation and critical questions ought to be asked about the conduct of men in our society.
“In some instances it’s the stepmother or girlfriend who will abuse an innocent child.”
Dr Shaheda Omar from the Teddy Bear Foundation said the incidence of violence and murder committed against children continued to increase.
She said there was an urgent need for child protection to be highlighted and spoken about on a daily basis.
“Children are vulnerable and soft targets. They cannot protect themselves, which is why law enforcement and justice have to be more stringent and harsh in their responses in such cases.”
Child activist Robyn Wolfson Vorster also said patriarchy remained one of the biggest justifications in these cases.
Cape Times
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