The Worcester Regional Court in the Western Cape, South Africa, sentenced Jerome Windvogel to life in prison after he was convicted of the savage murder of his ex-girlfriend.
The deceased’s mother and sister claimed that Windvogel smiled while stabbing Nelnisha Kortjie 39 times.
Windvogel, a member of the 28s gang, has already been convicted of violent acts committed between 2006 and 2018.
On February 17, 2023, Windvogel st@bbed Nelnisha Kortjie 39 times for failing to answer to his SMS messages.
Kortjie was walking to the bus station in Bonnievale when Windvogel approached her.
“He called her but she did not respond. He then chased after her as she turned to go home, took out a knife and st@bbed her in the face, neck, upper body, lower body, arms, and legs,” said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson in the Western Cape, Eric Ntabazalila.
Kortjie’s mother attempted to intercede, but Windvogel lunged at her.
He then sat on top of Kortjie and stabbed her repeatedly. Kortjie, age 36, died on the scene.
“He was arrested that same morning after community members chased him,” Ntabazalila said.
During the trial, State Prosecutor Elton Willmse stated that Kortjie’s murder was a fifth offense involving violence, and that it was committed before the accused’s suspension time in one of his cases expired.
Willemse claims that Windvogel is prone to committing violent crimes. He was previously convicted of an offense involving violence because he refused to acknowledge that the relationship was gone.
“Again, in this matter, he would not take no for an answer. He admitted to having a problem with controlling his anger yet he still armed himself with a knife,” he added.
The court found that Windvogel showed no consideration for the child they shared or Kortjie’s other two children.
Advocate Nicolette Bell, Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, expressed horror at the level of brutality in the case and vowed that the NPA will play an important role in combating gender-based violence and femicide.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
