By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
29 October 2026 – A man (26) who is accused of a murder of a boy (9) in Louisvale Dorp, near Upington, was remanded in custody until 7 December 2026, for further investigation. Willem Koper briefly appeared in Upingston Magistrate’s Court on 29 October 2026, and the matter was postponed to 7 December 2026, as he abandoned his bail application.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the incident allegedly occurred during the early hours of Sunday, 18 October 2026. Senokoatsane said the child, a Grade 2 learner at Frank Biggs Primary School, was allegedly fatally stabbed while sleeping.
“Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel were called to the scene, where they declared him dead. The state alleges that Koper was in a relationship with a relative of the deceased. On the evening preceding the incident, the couple allegedly had an argument, after which the woman left the premises to avoid further confrontation and did not return that night.
“It is further alleged that Koper subsequently returned to the house and fatally stabbed the child while he was sleeping in the room where the woman would ordinarily sleep. The circumstances surrounding the incident will form part of the evidence to be presented before the court,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said Koper was previously convicted of murder on 2 July 2021. He added that, in a separate matter, he was convicted of statutory rape and assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) assault on 7 July 2021.
“He was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for murder and five years imprisonment for assault. He was released on parole on 20 August 2025, with his parole period scheduled to expire on 1 July 2029. The NPA regards crimes involving violence against children in an extremely serious light. Children are among the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from violence and abuse.
“The prosecution will ensure that the available evidence is properly presented before the court and that the matter proceeds in accordance with the law. The NPA remains committed to prosecuting crimes against children without fear, favour or prejudice, while respecting the accused’s constitutional right to a fair trial,” said Senokoatsane.
He said Koper remains in custody while investigations continue.
