NORTHERN CAPE. – Willem Koper (26), who was previously convicted of murder, appeared in the Upington magistrate's court in connection with the alleged murder of Heinrich Human, a nine-year-old boy from Louisevaledorp, near Upington. The Grade two learner at Frank Biggs Primary School was stabbed to death in the early morning hours of Sunday 18 October while he was asleep.
Mojalefa Senokoatsane, NPA spokesperson, says the state alleges Koper was in a relationship with a family member of the child. The couple allegedly had an argument the evening before the incident, after which the woman left the property to avoid further confrontation. According to the state, Koper later returned to the house and stabbed the boy in the room where the woman usually slept. The child was declared dead at the scene. Koper's case has been postponed to 29 October for a possible bail application and he remains in custody.
The state, represented by prosecutor Elouise du Plessis, will strongly oppose bail due to the seriousness of the alleged crime, concerns about public safety and Koper's previous convictions. He was convicted of murder on two July 2021 and five days later in a separate case of statutory rape and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for murder and five years for assault. He was released on parole in August 2025, which according to the NPA was due to run until one July 2029.
Christopher Bouman, senior state prosecutor, expressed his shock at the incident and said the NPA regards violence against children very seriously. He emphasised that children are among the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected against violence, abuse and neglect. The police investigation is ongoing.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
