A 30-year-old woman is in police custody following the fatal stabbing of her 28-year-old boyfriend in Bulfontein, Free State, on Thursday, 26 December. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, has sparked outrage and renewed calls for stronger action against gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa.
Police were summoned to a murder scene on Lesedi Street at approximately 2 am on Thursday. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim lying in a pool of blood. He was declared dead at the scene.
Police spokesman Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli reported: "On arrival, they found a man lying in a pool of blood. The 28-year-old victim was declared dead at the scene. Preliminary investigations were conducted, leading to the arrest of the 30-year-old girlfriend. It was discovered that the victim was stabbed once in the chest. Investigations continue."
The couple had been celebrating Christmas Day at Dark City kasi when a late-night argument erupted, allegedly over a dispute concerning sexual intimacy ("midnight tlof tlof"). The argument tragically escalated, culminating in the woman allegedly stabbing her boyfriend once in the chest. The suspect is expected to appear in the Bulfontein Magistrates Court soon to face charges related to the murder.
The incident has prompted a strong response from the Sefora Ndombela Foundation in the Free State, which has called for a decisive crackdown on GBV in South Africa. The foundation views GBV as a national crisis, demanding severe consequences for perpetrators. They advocate for life imprisonment for those found guilty of such crimes, arguing that this will send a clear message that GBV will no longer be tolerated.
Sefora Ntombela, chairwoman of the foundation, expressed her profound sadness and anger over the senseless killing. She stated: "This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for societal introspection and collective action to address the root causes of violence and promote healthy and respectful relationships." She strongly condemned the violence, emphasising that violence has absolutely no place in any relationship.
Ms Ntombela extended her deepest condolences to the victim's family and friends, while also calling for the full weight of the law to be brought against the suspect. The foundation's stance reflects a growing sentiment across South Africa that tougher penalties are needed to deter such acts of violence. The case highlights the complex and tragic intersection of intimate partner violence and the power dynamics often present in relationships where there is a significant age gap, as in this instance of a "sugar mama" and her "Ben 10" boyfriend.
The details surrounding the argument remain under investigation, but the alleged cause – a dispute over sexual intimacy – underscores the pervasive nature of GBV and the potential for seemingly minor disagreements to escalate into deadly consequences.
