Heartbroken Delft family refutes neglect claims following Jody Windvogel's tragic death

The heartbroken family of Jody Windvogel, 9, is left with many questions after the boy tragically took his own life on Sunday. The Grade 3 learner from Delft North Primary School was found hanging in the backyard of his home in The Hague Avenue, Delft, by his brother.

The boy’s mother, Judith Windvogel said she was busy cooking and doing the washing when her world fell apart.

Windvogel explained: “I was at home busy with my food. “Jody ran out and I thought he was going to play with his duif (pigeon)  because he loves birds and will wait until I dish the food.

“I said, ‘Mammie wag net tot die kos klaar is dan gaan Mammie skep’. (I said I am just waiting for the food to be done and then I will dish it.)

“Then my other son just came running in and said, ‘Mammie kom kyk hie buite wat maak Jody’. (My son came running in and said I must come and look what Jody did).

“When I got outside the rope was around his neck and he was sitting on his knees. I took off the rope.

“This is not his first attempt, he has done it before but the first time, we could wake him up.”

The heartbroken mother says she has no idea what made her young son take his own life. She told the Cape Argus' sister publication the Daily Voice: “We don’t know if he was bullied because he never said anything to me about bullying.

“I always said he was my shadow. No matter where I go, there he was. He was my baby, my alles. (my everything). I already miss my child. He would always say, ‘Mammie waa’ is my kos?’. (He would always say Mommy where is my food?)

Grandmother Petro Windvogel could not hold back her tears when she took the Cape Argus' sister publication, the Daily Voice to the backyard where the incident happened and traces of the incident were still visible.

The family say they are unhappy with the false speculations and rumours that are being spread online about what happened and want people to stop.

Windvogel added: “People are saying things online and creating their own narratives which are not true. They are saying, I left to go buy beer but I was at home.

“These people did not live with us, they don’t know the kind of person I am or the relationship I have with my children. They were not even here.”

Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk said an inquest has been registered for investigation.

Van Wyk reported: “Circumstances surrounding the death of a nine year old boy whose body was found on 16 November 2025 at a premises in The Hague Avenue, The Hague, Delft are under investigation. Delft police registered an inquest for investigation.”

Ward councillor Michelle Adonis said the news had “shaken” the community.

“This is an absolute tragedy that has shaken our community, and my heart goes out to the pupil’s family, the staff, and the entire Delft North Primary School community. Losing a young life, especially in such circumstances, is devastating.”

Adonis visited the school on Monday and met with the principal, teacher and affected pupils. She said a multi-agency support team had already been activated.

She has offered burial assistance through the City’s Mayoral Fund for Destitute Burials.

WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirmed the death and said counselling was being provided.

“The WCED can sadly confirm the passing of a Grade 3 learner. The school has been in contact with the parents and are providing counselling support to learners. Our deepest condolences to the family and friends for this devastating loss.”

Hammond urged families to seek help early. She pointed parents and schools to the WCED SAFE SCHOOLS Call-Centre at 0800 45 46 47, and SADAG’s 24-hour helpline (0800 12 13 14) and suicide emergency number (0800 567 567).

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