Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened and that Delft police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death. Jody was found in the backyard by his brother, on his knees with a rope around his neck. He was declared deceased on 16 November 2025.
Jody Windvogel Obituary news
A Community Shaken
Jody’s death has sent shockwaves through Delft, a community already grappling with high levels of trauma, poverty, and violence. Residents, school staff, and community leaders have described the incident as an unimaginable tragedy.
“A baby who should have been laughing in the street, running home after playing with friends, arguing about whose turn it is to play keeper, and looking forward to Christmas and school parties,” said Ward Councillor Michelle Adonis, who expressed deep condolences to Jody’s family and the Delft North Primary School community. “This is an absolute tragedy that has shaken our community.”
Family’s Grief and Pain
Jody’s mother, Judith Windvogel, recounted the moments leading up to the tragedy. She explained that she was indoors cooking and doing laundry while Jody went outside—something he often did while playing with his pet bird. Moments later, another son alerted her that something was wrong. She rushed outside to find Jody with a rope around his neck and immediately removed it.
Judith revealed that this was not Jody’s first attempt. On a previous occasion, the family had been able to revive him. She said she does not know what drove her son to take such actions, adding that he had never told her he was being bullied.
“He was always close to me, and I already miss him,” she said through tears.
Jody’s grandmother, Petro Windvogel, also expressed heartbreak and confusion, saying the family cannot understand why this happened. She called for the public to stop spreading false rumours circulating on social media—particularly claims that Judith left the house to buy alcohol, which the family strongly denies.
Support for the School and Community
Councillor Adonis visited Delft North Primary School to meet with the principal, teachers, and affected pupils. She confirmed that the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), along with partner organisations and NGOs such as Masithembela, has deployed social workers and trauma counsellors to the school as a matter of urgency.
This support is being extended to learners, teachers, and school staff in hopes of helping them process their grief and trauma in the aftermath of Jody’s death.
Adonis also visited the Windvogel family to offer condolences and assess their immediate needs. She has offered assistance with funeral arrangements through the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Fund for Destitute Burials should the family require it.
Call for Long-Term Mental Health Support
Councillor Adonis emphasised that the tragedy highlights a deeper, ongoing crisis affecting children in the community.
“This heartbreaking loss underscores the critical need for long-term mental health interventions in our schools and neighbourhoods,” she said. “We must do more.”
She called on national, provincial, and local government stakeholders—along with the corporate sector, community organisations, and NGOs—to prioritise:
Expanded Mental Health Programmes: Introducing age-appropriate mental health and resilience programmes at Delft North Primary School and others in the area.
Strengthened Anti-Bullying Measures: Reviewing systems to ensure learners can report issues safely and receive early intervention.
Sustained Community Support: Investing in ongoing resources that address trauma, social pressures, and the emotional wellbeing of young children.
“I will continue working closely with the school leadership and the broader community to ensure meaningful, long-term preventative measures are taken seriously,” she added.
A Heartbreaking Loss
The death of young Jody Windvogel has left an irreplaceable void in his family and school community. Instead of preparing for end-of-year festivities, classmates and teachers are now grappling with grief—while the community faces urgent questions about how to better protect its children.
As the investigation continues, Delft mourns not only the loss of a child, but the loss of a future filled with promise.
