KIMBERLEY – As the Northern Cape grapples with the brutal killings of two mothers, Megan Kleintjie and Charolene Lawan, a wave of community fury has erupted online. The outcry follows a social media post allegedly authored by the man accused of killing Lawan, in which he attempted to justify the violence by claiming “no one understood his pain.”
In the incident in the early hours of Monday, 29 December, 35 year old Charolene Lawan was reportedly stabbed to death in Homevale, Kimberley. Police confirmed that the victim had been involved in an argument with the suspect prior to the killing.
Sergeant Merapelo Pilane, police spokesperson SAPS confirmed that a 35 year old man was arrested and charged with murder and appeared in the Kimberley Magistrates Court on Tuesday. “The police in Roodepan are investigating a case of murder after a 35 year old female was reportedly stabbed to death in Homevale in Kimberley. The victim was involved in an argument with the suspect.”
Mojalefa Senokoatsane, spokesperson for the National Prosecution Authority was not available to provide the identities of the two accused who had already appeared in court.
Following the incident, a post appeared on the profile of the alleged killer stating he “had to die with her” because “no one understood his pain.” The post was immediately met with a barrage of condemnatory comments from local residents:
“You are a coward! Your ‘pain’ does not give you the right to take a life,” one user commented.
“What about the pain of the children you left motherless?” another wrote.
“Justice for Charolene. No excuses for femicide,” a third commenter posted.
While the community reels from the Homevale stabbing, details have emerged regarding the death of 31-year-old Megan Kleintjie in Roodepan. Kleintjie was found dead on Friday, 26 December at the Christine Court Flats.
Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane police spokesperson confirmed that a 36-year-old male has been arrested in connection with her death and appeared in court on Monday.
“The Roodepan SAPS Serious and Violence Crimes Unit is investigating a murder case after the police attended to a complaint of murder on Friday, 26 December, at 07:30 in Roodepan. The body of a 31 year old female was reportedly discovered inside a flat in Roodepan. A 36 year old male has been arrested in connection with the incident,” Shemane says.
Although initial claims suggested she died of a heart attack, preliminary forensic findings reportedly revealed a far more violent end, including a stab wound, multiple bruises, and three distinct head injuries.
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The Shaine Griqua Advice and Development Centre noted that Kleintjie had been trapped in a long-standing abusive relationship and had previously received psychosocial support.
The Shaine Griqua Advice and Development Centre has condemned both killings in the strongest terms, describing the situation as a “deadly and escalating femicide crisis”.
“These perpetrators are often repeat offenders, known to families, communities, and the justice system, yet allowed to continue until a woman is dead,” the Centre stated.
The organisation has issued a list of demands to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the justice system, including: No bail for alleged perpetrators with a known history of abuse, the immediate enforcement of protection orders and interdicts, mandatory consequences for repeat abusers.
The Centre further urged the community to remain calm and refrain from retaliation while the justice system takes its course. Victims or survivors in need of support are encouraged to reach out to their psychosocial service via WhatsApp at 062 299 606.
