Teen (16) arrested for murder of young woman

The family of a young woman who was stabbed to death, allegedly by a 16-year-old boy, has been left traumatised by her death, to the point where the victim’s 10-year-old son wanted to commit suicide.

Neliswa Kalpens, a young mother from New Heaven in Stanford, was reportedly attacked and stabbed by the minor in an altercation last week.

The badly-injured woman was taken to Hermanus Hospital. She died in transit, while being transferred to Tygerberg Hospital.

Masizole Mnqasela, president of the Alliance of Citizens for Change (ACC), said the motive for the stabbing has not yet been confirmed.

Mnqasela visited Neliswa’s distraught family, along with Tracey-Lynn Henn, also of the ACC, last week.

“The family is traumatised,” he said. “They are further distraught because they do not have the financial means to bury her and her son wants to commit suicide.”

Mnqasela made a follow-up visit to Stanford earlier this week to facilitate a meeting between the victim and the suspect’s families.

“I did this because they are from different racial groups,” he explained, “and I wanted to prevent any tension that may arise.

“I approached the suspect’s father and he agreed to the meeting, which went well.”

Mnqasela also met with the local police who, he said, brought in social workers. “The Children’s Act was activated because the suspect is a minor, but we also need to ensure justice is served for Neliswa and her family.”

He reported that the minor had been released into his parents’ care as he had no pending cases or previous convictions.

“Neliswa loved her community and was an active member of ACC. What makes matters worse is that we are witnessing a rise in crimes against women, despite celebrating women’s month in August.”

Maj Gen Miriam Mochologi, Overberg Police District Commissioner, confirmed a 16-year old had been arrested and had appeared in court in connection with the murder.

She strongly appealed to women and girls always to be cautious, even when among their loved ones, and to report any kind of abuse to the authorities without delay.