Toddler killed and two women injured in family attack

By Hlompho Phokompe

Caption: Tshepo Ramaboa , a man who committed suicide after stabbing family members multiple times.

Caption: Baby Katlego Mokgopanyane died after being stabbed multiple times with a knife by his uncle

A community in Verdwaal, near Lichtenburg, has been left devastated after a horrific attack that claimed the life of a two-year-old boy and left two women injured.

The suspect, identified as the child’s uncle, was later found dead after apparently taking his own life.

According to North West police and relatives, the incident happened shortly after midnight on Saturday, November 1. The suspect, 34-year-old Tshepo Ramaboa, allegedly entered the family home through a window while the household was asleep. Armed with two knives, he attacked members of  this family without warning.

Two-year-old Katlego Mokgopanyane was fatally stabbed and was declared dead at the scene. His grandmother ,74, and aunt ,42, sustained serious injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital. The aunt was treated and discharged, while the grandmother remains under medical care.

Tshepo’s aunt, Esther Ramaboa, and one of the victims, recalled being awakened by screams from the dining room, where Tshepo’s girlfriend was sleeping. She said she rushed to help and found Tshepo armed with two knives.

“I got between them and pushed him back to stop him from attacking again. That’s when I noticed my hand was cut and bleeding. I ran to the neighbours for help, but when I came back, everyone had fled,” said Ramaboa.

Police later confirmed that Ramaboa’s body was found hanging from a tree in a nearby field on Monday, November 3.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, said that an inquest docket has been opened and no foul play is suspected.

“A case of murder and two counts of attempted murder are being investigated,” he said.

Residents of Verdwaal have expressed deep shock at the incident. Many described Ramaboa as a quiet, respectful man who rarely got into trouble.

“I was shocked when I heard what happened. At school, he was a quiet person who never talked much,” said Katlego Mbane, a former schoolmate.

The child’s mother, Kerileng Mokgopanyane, is struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.

“I cannot explain how I feel. My brother and I never argued, and he was very fond of my son,” she said.

Members of the Ramaboa family also expressed sorrow and disbelief. Tshepo’s cousin, Mpho Ramaboa, described the event as “a terrible tragedy.”

The two-year-old was laid to rest on Thursday, November 6.

Esther Ramaboa said she wishes her nephew had sought help before taking his life.

“I am not happy that Tshepo took his life. I wanted him to come and tell us what was bothering him, what drove him to do such an evil thing,” she said.