Lutzville Farmer Faces Court for Alleged Attack on Child Over Oranges

In a chilling incident that has captured public attention, 70-year-old Christoffel Stoman, a farmer in Lutzville, Western Cape, is facing serious charges of attempted murder and reckless and negligent driving. The case, which arose from a tragic event on September 20, involves the severe injury of a six-year-old boy, Khwezi Jantjies, who was suspected of stealing oranges from Stoman's farm.

The distressing episode unfolded while Khwezi was walking alongside his mother, Magdalene Jantjies. According to court proceedings, Stoman, along with his wife Magdalene, 75, and a grandchild, were returning from a doctor's appointment in Cape Town when they noticed the young boy near their property. Stoman's wife recounted the moments leading up to the incident, stating that she had asked her husband to halt the vehicle upon spotting the child. The situation escalated quickly when she screamed upon seeing Khwezi under the vehicle and instructed her husband to reverse.

Emerging from the vehicle, they found Khwezi injured under the front bumper. Despite Magdalene Stoman’s offer to assist, Khwezi’s mother declined. The dialogue in court highlighted the tension, as it was revealed that the elder Stoman was considerably upset over the suspected theft.

At the heart of the legal proceedings, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has taken a firm stance, with spokesman Eric Ntabazalila noting the denial of Stoman's bail appeal by the Western Cape High Court. This move underscores the gravity of the case and the legal system’s commitment to addressing the issue earnestly.

Adding to the context are comments from Billy Claasen, executive director of the Rural and Farmworkers Development Organisation, who emphasized the severity of Khwezi’s injuries that necessitated surgical intervention on his legs.

The community and broader public have been shaken by this case, which highlights the increasing tensions in rural communities over property and security, juxtaposed against issues of poverty and child safety. As Stoman prepares for his next court appearance on January 13, at the Vredendal regional court, many are calling for a thorough examination of rural safety, child protection laws, and the measures necessary to prevent such incidents in the future.

The case against Christoffel Stoman not only tells a story of a confrontation gone terribly wrong but also ignites broader discussions about justice, empathy, and the social fabric of rural communities in South Africa.