Farmer Runs Over 6-Year-Old Over Orange Theft
The family of six-year-old Khwezi Jantjies from Lutzville, West Coast, is calling for justice after the boy was allegedly run over by a local farmer, Christoffel Stoman, who accused him of stealing an orange from his farm.
The incident, which occurred last Friday, left Khwezi with two broken legs.
According to his mother, Magdalena Jantjies, Khwezi narrowly survived the ordeal, and she is thankful her only son is still alive.
She stated that she had no prior relationship with the 70-year-old farmer, who showed no remorse or assistance following the incident.
Despite his injuries, Khwezi is reportedly in good spirits as he awaits surgery scheduled for Wednesday at the Paarl Provincial Hospital.
Local activists have rallied behind the Jantjies family, planning protests when Stoman appears before the Vredendal Magistrate’s Court on Monday for a bail application.
Activists claim this is not the first time Stoman has been involved in a similar incident.
Community leader Billy Claasen is calling on lawmakers to take stronger action against farmers who commit violent crimes.
“There must be tougher consequences for crimes committed by farmers,” Claasen said in a statement.
The state has confirmed it will oppose Stoman’s bail application due to the severity of the charges.
