A 17-year-old boy is still recovering emotionally after a cigarette-related argument in Victoria West turned violent, leaving him stabbed and shaken.
The confrontation happened on September 19, 2024, when Klaas Babers, 34, got into a heated dispute with the teenager. What began as a disagreement quickly escalated, ending with Babers pulling out a knife and stabbing the young man.
The victim, accompanied by a family member, went straight to the police to report the attack. Thanks to the thorough work of Detective Constable Priscilla Makoli, Babers was arrested and later found guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Despite the seriousness of the offence, the court handed Babers a six-year prison sentence, which was entirely suspended for five years—on the condition that he does not commit a similar crime during that time.
Northern Cape district police commissioner Maj-Gen Nomana Mtukushe praised the lead investigator for her dedication to the case.
While justice has been served in court, the experience has left a lasting impression on the young victim and his family, who now hope for healing and peace after the traumatic incident.