At 2pm on Sunday, an 11-year-old boy allegedly stabbed a 29-year-old father named Kalen Kansley in the back while he was attempting to break up a fight between the accused assailant and another boy. The incident occurred in Albow Gardens, Rugby, where Kansley lived.
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Recounting the incident, Kalen Kansley’s partner, Cleo Kühn, informed Cape Argus that she was not present at the scene as she lives in a different area but had received a call informing her of the incident.
Rushing to the scene, Kühn was met with the news that Kansley had not survived.
The incident unfolded when Kansley, witnessing a fight between youngsters, intervened in an attempt to break up the altercation. The 11-year-old assailant reportedly stabbed Kansley in the back.
Cleo Kühn described Kansley as a man who despised violence, especially involving young children. He was known for his willingness to offer guidance and encouragement to those around him, particularly the youth.
Kansley has left behind a two-year-old son who was unable to comprehend the gravity of the situation.
‘Kalen was still too young, and our two-year-old son doesn’t understand what happened. When we went to his grandparents, Nerina and Kenneth, our son asked if we were going to see him, and I kept telling him that Daddy had gone to heaven.’
In tribute to Kansley, friends and well-wishers gathered at the location where the incident occurred. According to Kühn, 100 people attended the memorial, sharing fond memories and words of praise for a man who was undeniably good-hearted and touched the lives of many.
‘They all said good things about him because he truly was a good person and was loved by many,’ Kühn said.
Kühn expressed sympathy for the 11-year-old boy who stands as a suspect in this incident. She revealed that there were two persons of interest in the case, with a 17-year-old also implicated. Both individuals hail from the Brooklyn area.
Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg confirmed that Milnerton detectives are actively investigating a murder case arising from this stabbing incident on Racecourse Road, Milnerton.
‘According to reports, the victim tried to stop a fight when he was stabbed,’ Twigg reported.
He added, ‘The victim was taken to a medical facility for treatment, where he was declared deceased. The suspects are yet to be arrested.’
Authorities have called upon the public to come forward with any information that may aid in the apprehension of the suspects.
Anyone with information relating to this incident can contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
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Picture: Suhyeon Choi / Unsplash