Cousins Katleho Joy Leeuw (3) and Onkarabetse Leeuw (5) were brutally murdered days apart from each other, believed to be the victims of a horrible crime fuelled by deep-rooted rage, jealousy, and a gambling dispute.

Journal News spoke exclusively to Onkarabetse’s mother, Rethabile Leeuw, who believes the murders were an act of vengeance. This after she recounted a chilling visit from her cousin, Vuyiswa Leeuw, Katleho’s mother, on the day Onkarabetse went missing.

“Katleho’s mother, Vuyiswa Leeuw, arrived at my home the day my son went missing. She seemed quite cheerful and friendly for someone who had recently buried a child and mentioned in a happy tone that I can’t have two children, and she only has,” said a deeply torn Rethabile.

“This sent chills down my spine as my partner was arrested in connection with the murder of her child,” she added.

Rethabile, who spoke with sorrow, mentioned that she fears for her life and the life of her remaining child. She also revealed that she was also a victim of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), as her partner - the 29-year-old male suspect - had repeatedly physically abused her and her two children.

“I am quite relieved that my partner has been arrested as he used to viciously beat me and the children up; he showed no mercy to either of us,” Rethabile stated.

Rethabile explained that her partner and his cousin, Vuyiswa, frequently engaged in gambling competitions. On the day Katleho was murdered, she won – which seldomly happens. Allegedly, the suspect could not handle Vuyiswa’s victory and decided to commit a sinister act.

An anonymous neighbour alleged that the suspect, Vuyiswa, and Rethabile Leeuw are all related. The neighbour claims that Rethabile’s firstborn child was a silent victim of sexual assault at the hands of her partner and further alleged that Vuyiswa killed Rethabile’s five-year-old son, Onkarabetse, and had cut him up to feed him to the pigs.

“Vuyiswa and one of her accomplices, a family member of mine, knew exactly where Onkarabetse’s body was and directed the police right to it, and Vuyiswa’s blanket was found covering Onkarabetse’s lifeless body,” the neighbour added.

Lieutenant-General Thabo Covane from the Free State South African Police Services (SAPS) has confirmed the arrest of Vuyiswa. She is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court soon after a case of kidnapping and murder was opened.