Man suspected of murdering toddler's stepson because of bedwetting

Jeremy Bosman, who is accused of killing his stepson after a bed-wetting incident, has been charged with murder and assault.

A Northern Cape man will formally apply for bail on Friday after allegedly reacting violently to his toddler’s bedwetting, resulting in the child’s tragic death.

29-year-old Jeremy Bosman appeared in the De Aar court on Tuesday on charges of murder and assault with intent to cause serious bodily harm.

Bosman is said to have murdered three-year-old stepson Charvandre Kieran Everson and attacked the boy’s mother, 29-year-old Charmelle Thys.

Accused allegedly killed stepson, 3

During his appearance, the court heard that on October 19, 2024, Bosman reacted violently to little Charvandre’s wetting in the bed and hit the child on the head with his hands.

The stepfather is also accused of assaulting the boy with a broom and then hitting his head against the wall.

“Witness statements and preliminary investigations suggested that these actions left the child unable to eat or open his mouth properly,” National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said.

The child unfortunately had another bed-wetting incident and his stepfather allegedly attacked him again, causing blood to be seen in Charvandre’s mouth and the toddler losing control of his bodily functions.

Senokoatsane said reports indicate the toddler was weak and unable to move his legs.

Toddler violently attacked for bedwetting

“Bosman realized the seriousness of his actions and reportedly ordered Thys, the child’s mother, not to reveal anything about the incidents and took the injured child to De Aar New Hospital,” he said.

“Tragically, upon arrival, medical staff determined that Charvandre had already succumbed to his injuries.”

When Charvandre was examined at the hospital, staff noted multiple bruises on the toddler’s body, especially on his back, and contacted police due to suspicions of foul play.

After an investigation, the police charged Bosman with murder and assault of GBH.

The stepfather will remain in custody until his next court appearance on Friday, where he is expected to formally apply for bail.

Bail application on Friday

Senokoatsane said the prosecutor intends to oppose bail in this Schedule 6 bail application, citing the seriousness of the charges.

“The prosecution team continues to investigate the matter and the NPA is committed to ensuring that justice is served in this tragic case of domestic violence and child abuse,” he added.

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