Johannesburg

Saturday

Mostly sunny. Pleasantly warm.

16°C
28°C

7 day forecasts

Jordaan 'cannot change'

2008-06-06 11:38

Dear Editor,

Please help me understand. I get upset when people or animals are hurt, and really angry when this is a deliberate act. Like most South Africans, I have been following the case of Andrew Jordaan, accused of killing little Sheldean Human, and got irritated and frustrated when I read some of the issues, and his family maintaining his innocence.

Would the family be comfortable with him moving around society knowing the following from a psychologist: "he could be classified a paedophile", "strong underlying aggressive personality", "sexual interest in young girls"?

Then the next lot of confusion sets in: It is said by his family that "he loves children". You get a protective love, which I believe most "normal-civilised" adults feel toward children. Or you get a paedophile that is an absolute screw-up and should be removed from society - permanently as I do not believe they can change.

It also angered me when I read that "the police forced him to confess". There would not be a confession if he were innocent. Those criminals out there can be glad I'm not in the police, because I would really force a confession out of them. Okay, so I would have been fired but it would have been worth it.

I hope the justice system and the judge ensure that he and those guilty of harming any others, especially children pay fully - the rest of their natural lives sounds good to me. It will never bring the little one back, but at least no other person can be harmed by that particular individual again.

For anyone who thinks that if it were my son I would sing a different tune, I would not. I have two sons, and while they were growing up I made them understand in no uncertain terms that they are responsible for their actions, and that there is a reaction to every action. I am very thankful, grateful, proud and blessed to have two wonderful young men that are my sons.

Shannon Smith

Pretoria

Send a letter to the editor...

...more letters

Disclaimer: News24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24.

- News24


Judas Priest 6/6/2008 11:51:36 AM
I can not believe that anyone is defending him. I know it is difficult of especially a parent to accept something this horrible about their child, but it has to be accepted and dealt with. A little girl is dead because of him, he should pay.

Hazel 6/6/2008 11:55:17 AM
We are sick and tired for this foreiners because they take South Africans work. They must go back to their places. Iknow not all of them taking jobs but the rest of the they agreed to be paid by by low amount of money. And when they going back to their places tha money becomes double amount. So here in South Africa when u working for R100.00 it emains like that.

Calvin Mkhize 6/6/2008 11:59:50 AM
As a parent it boils down to how one raises his/her children. On the other hand there is no proven formula on how to raise your children properly. If there was book on how to raise your children it would be a sellout on the booksheves of the major stores. All parents hope and pray that their children will turn up to be good citizens. Please don't pass judgement.

charlie 6/6/2008 12:09:06 PM
Like this freak should be executed. And I aleady here all the human rights freaks say no and all that crap , but someone who does this is not human

veritas 6/6/2008 12:11:36 PM
The only course of action to take is to remove him from society permanently as he cannot be rehabilitated.

charlie 6/6/2008 12:12:35 PM
I agree completely that it all comes down to the child's up bringing. We can see that in SA today with behaviour of people in the news these days ..

Sarah 6/6/2008 12:18:25 PM
We actually get the system to work. (Hendriks, PE, rapist, convicted)(Waterkloof 4, lost appeal)(Andrew Jordaan, found guilty)(Colin Chauke, recaptured)- there are other positive examples! Also, I heard that a Judge refused to listen to a case the other day, as it was clear that the lawyers had "cut a deal" to minimise the seriousness of the criminal's crime. What a bold thing for the judge to do. Not sure if it is enough, but some people will put their ALL into trying to fix SA. Hope we win.

Loraine 6/6/2008 12:18:59 PM
I abhore any form of violence but monsters like Jordaan must expect to be "helped" a bit to talk the truth - he still doesn't see what he's done wrong. I don't expect too many people are feeling sorry for him at all. Afterall, no one gave Sheldean the opportunity to protect herself or to become the adult she was meant to be. Monsters like him should be burned alive in public to stop the unspeakable crimes against the defenseless!

Johann 6/6/2008 12:19:07 PM
If you can't send him to the gallows, then send him to Polsmoor. That's like a death sentence.

Loraine 6/6/2008 12:19:28 PM
I abhore any form of violence but monsters like Jordaan must expect to be "helped" a bit to talk the truth - he still doesn't see what he's done wrong. I don't expect too many people are feeling sorry for him at all. Afterall, no one gave Sheldean the opportunity to protect herself or to become the adult she was meant to be. Monsters like him should be burned alive in public to stop the unspeakable crimes against the defenseless!

KimPossible 6/6/2008 12:21:07 PM
Putting this monster behind bars for the rest of his life does not constiture FULL payment for his heinous crime - only slow, tortuous death would ensure that! To Calvin, Shannon is not necessarily judging the parents on their upbringing of their son - the comments are on the family's DEFENCE of their son, when it is clear he does not belong in society! I think passing judgement on this type of reaction is perfectly acceptable and justified!

Maanda 6/6/2008 12:21:10 PM
This stupid man ?Jordan? does not love children, he is 1000 000% guilty for murder. We don?t need to justify that. Even world known Killer "Mugabe" can see that this is a murder. It does not need any justification.

lp 6/6/2008 12:21:58 PM
Calvin, you say don't pass judgement, but you did by saying it boils down to how one raises his/her children, problem we have is there are thousands without parents

Danie 6/6/2008 12:23:04 PM
You are right when you say: All parents hope and pray that their children will turn up to be good citizens. However your last sentence is not correct: Please don't pass judgment ........... Do you imply that we have to accept this lowest form of life, who raped and killed a little girl and NOT condemn it? You must be joking. He should not be allowed to be free again .... ever!

KimPossible 6/6/2008 12:24:56 PM
What are you smoking? What has the issue of foreigners got to do with this letter?! Perhaps you should take your R100 and go double it in a foreign country - 1 less incompetent for SA!

stack 6/6/2008 12:25:52 PM
As usual your posts make no sense, did you read the letter?? Nowhere did Shannon pass judgemnt on the way the parents brought him up - all she was saying is they cannot defend his actions as they are so disgusting and no parent should defend that kind of behaviour - try reading the actual letter properly before you post - and this doesnt just apply to today!

Sarah 6/6/2008 12:26:38 PM
Jeffery Dahmer came from a nice middle class family who raised him with good values. Sometimes, people are just born bad.

JC 6/6/2008 12:29:03 PM
Sister, I dont know what stuff you are smoking or taking, but it seems like good shyte. Mind sharing ?

kaiser 6/6/2008 12:29:18 PM
is against human rights to force out a confession out a criminal.the cops must do they job to put together evidents.our police in SA they dont do even the basic rule of a crime scen.take finger prints

MP3 6/6/2008 12:29:33 PM
Jail holds a special surprise for Jordaan. He'll be raped until he loses consciousness night after night. He'll stand a high chance of contracting HIV develop AIDS & die. Going to jail is practically a death sentence these days in its own right. If he survives the afore mentioned he'll have to face possible violent outbreaks in jails and be stabbed. With any luck, his sentencing will be just enough for any of these things to happen. 3 months in jail is sufficient, but I'd give him 25 years.

Alicia 6/6/2008 12:31:40 PM
Mr. and Mrs. Human, their are no words to describe my sorrow at your loss. Your daughter's face has been in my mind for so long, I feel she is part of me. Give her to God now, forgive and rejoice her life. Parents of such poor souls as Jordaan should go to prison with their children. He has a below average I.Q., was always around girls, full of dagga. They did not care one iota about him, knowing that he was dangerous. He is not solely to blame. I'm so sorry.

tt 6/6/2008 12:32:04 PM
You are commenting on a wrong articlel get over the xeno fever..... wake up get coffe

Irene 6/6/2008 12:35:15 PM
I agree with Shannon I think this monster deserves the death penalty.What angers me is the fact that his family will insist on his innocense despite all the evidence.Can you imagine what that little girl had to go through?What is sad to me is her circumstances as well, how can she and her little friend who was molested by Jordaan be brought up to think that being abused is just part of life and not have that somebody to talk to and confide in?Also hearing how hungry she was on her last day?

KimPossible 6/6/2008 12:38:24 PM
Having given this some thought, the question comes to mind - why should someone who commits a sexual offence against a child ever deserve a second chance? Everyone knows it is sick, wrong and hateful, regardless of your upbringing. If we can't kill these monsters, castrate them and then lock them away for good! This case is one of murder as well and the fact that our taxes are used to feed and cloth this bastard is beyond comprehension.

nWo 6/6/2008 12:40:33 PM
R u on drugs????or r u just having a laugh, well at least u made me laugh...........

Sinudeity 6/6/2008 12:40:56 PM
To rapists and murderers!

Whatnow... 6/6/2008 12:46:36 PM
A few years ago, my lovely, softhearted, teddy bear brother was under investigation for Child pornography. You cannot imagine for one moment how this split my heart in two. Hatred for those who did it and then the love I have for my brother. The Police couldn?t find anything for he dumped the one computer and only handed in the clean PC. I knew it and it broke my heart?.. for the children and for my brother?.. What now? He walks and talks like a human but does he have a monstrous heart? One thing I know, I will stand by him but if he does something like this, I will still love him but he has to be removed then?.. Such harsh words but we know it to be true.

Matrix 6/6/2008 12:47:37 PM
Especially those that perform these and similar haneous crimes MUST BE PERMANENTLY removed from society. If the death penalty is not an option (seems to be the case regardless of what the popules wants), then establish an iscolated town in the middle of the desert (robin island / prison ship) or whatever, and make sure they dont come back. Another option "NAME AND SHAME" them in public places. Once criminals see this, they may think twice before commiting crime. Jordaan deserves the death penalty

marian van der walt 6/6/2008 12:48:24 PM
people that kill children and animals are cowards why dont they fight there owns sizes.we all ge fustrated.it doesnt mean we have to kill.

cvz 6/6/2008 12:50:59 PM
As you say you are a parent, i am betting you would change your tune, if something like this happens to one of your kids. A note to all: Keep your kids safe at all times, there is no such thing as being "over-protective".

Anne 6/6/2008 12:51:31 PM
will be paying for his stay in jail. That really burns me! I wish we still had hard labour - so that my tax could rather be used to build schools or clinics.

LoudP 6/6/2008 12:52:15 PM
As a father of two toddlers I agree that Jordaan should be removed from society, lest it happens again. I do however think Sheldean's mother should shoulder some of the blame for what happened to her as well.

Alicia 6/6/2008 12:53:17 PM
So typical. It's so obvious she made a mistake, which we all do every day. So jumping all over her is giving you a great kick. This is what is wrong with us. Just love to kick someone when they are down. Hazel, you have a wonderful day...forget about the bullies...they usually don't have any brains or .....

VG 6/6/2008 12:57:34 PM
..why this liitle girl was allowed to go to the park/ play with Jordaan to begin with? Surely, as a parent you should know where your kids are and who they're with at all times? she wa only seven after all...

Matrix 6/6/2008 1:08:49 PM
I still try to do it with my 22 year old, then blamed for not allowing freedom or indendance. Children are inquisative and you lterally need eyes in the back of your head. Used a lease at on stage and was told that my children are not animals and to remove the lease. Agree with CVZ

Ingrid 6/6/2008 1:12:26 PM
I hope Jordaan rots in jail - justice awaits him.

Badger 6/6/2008 1:18:10 PM
..Make an example of him to the rest of the freaks out there. Lock him up for life (No Luxuries) or HANG him out to ROT !!!!!!!!

JP 6/6/2008 1:19:29 PM
This guy is nothing but a drain on society and should be tossed away like the rubbish he is. However this wont be done because he will be sent to sit in jail for the rest of his life where law abiding good South African citizens are going to pay for him to sit there. Now that is what you call b*llsh*t if you ask me. He committed a horrific crime and should pay the ultimate price for his crimes.

pieter 6/6/2008 1:19:43 PM
he is not a normal guy he needs 2 be locked up and never released because he is mentally ill AND MUST DIE THE SAME WAY THE SHE DIED

Calvin Mkhize 6/6/2008 1:22:27 PM
Point of correction I don't condone what Jordaan did. Let the full might of the law takes its course. We cannot shift the blame entirely on the parents of the accussed. Let us be practical, it is impossible to keep an eye at all the time to your children. The blaming of Shealdon's mother is also unacceptable, unjustified and uncalled of.

VG 6/6/2008 1:26:26 PM
The key point is that she was 7. Your 22 yr old is an adult. I take your point that its v v difficult in practise, but I have a 7 yr old brother and my mom makes a point of visiting his friends homes, has their parent's cell numbers and makes sure that she's comfortable with the environment he's in. In this country in particular there's no such thing as overprotective.

Kobus 6/6/2008 1:31:23 PM
Reading some of the sickening notes by so many of these bloggers, one can only come to the conclusion that some of you are worse than him and deserves no better! He sinned and will be punished for it but many of you farisites are a great deal worse and problably share the same IQ as him?!

KimPossible 6/6/2008 1:39:12 PM
Once again, as has been pointed out by numerous posts - no-one is blaming Jordaan's parents for what he did and no-one implied that you condone what he did. Shannon and others. quite rightly criticised his parents for defending him, a monster of note, against overwhelming evidence. Comprehendo?

Martin 6/6/2008 1:39:47 PM
What type of parents let their 7 year old daughter play with an adult, did you know that some nights this little girls went to bed without food, I blame all the on the parents, now they want to act like loving people, they did not give a sh#t about their daughter, they should also be charged for child neglect.

Badger 6/6/2008 1:46:57 PM
Chill BOET, it's just a little frustration release,after all this is the world we live in. Now, go start that fire and lets BRAAI a stukkie wors !!!

taurus 6/6/2008 1:54:34 PM
No mother raises her child to become a murderer. While I feel that Jordaan and others like him should be permanently removed from society, my heartfelt sympathies go out to his parents.

Sean 6/6/2008 2:00:34 PM
The world has no place for misfits like this. If he is pathologically ill and cannot be held responsible for his actions, he is of no benefit to society and should be removed - permanently. If his actions were a product of his choices, he should be removed, permanently... get the picture? He had no compassion, why should the law or society show him compassion? Hang him-it's barbaric, but so is he and anyone who commits such crimes.

Ntombi 6/6/2008 2:01:37 PM
as a taxpayer, i feel like my money is going to waste, im sure they could use it better on schools and clinics. parents must not trust anyone with their kids (even relatives ie uncles). a question for calvin: do u have kids, and how would you feel if this happened to your kid? would you tell the courts to "ease the judgement?"

Rom 6/6/2008 2:02:03 PM
You are hectic! People are just airing their views and are angered at this horrible crime.

charlie 6/6/2008 2:04:09 PM
Both sets of parents have lost a child. A son and a daughter, the difference bing one is dead and one is in prison. And of course everyone's sympathy goes out to Shealdean's parents but don't judge how a child is brought up. Everone has a choice in life. There's no guarantee how a child turns out no matter how well / bad their upbringing had been. Have a bit of compassion for Human's parents. They have to live with the same of their son for the rest of their life

Matrix 6/6/2008 2:10:41 PM
The point I was attemting to make was that, regardless of their age, try to protect my 3 kids (eldest 22). Almost impossible. Kobus,just to clarify our IQ & "worse than him". I presume you do not condone what he did? OR are you refering to "removing him from society"? If so, what would you have done if he did this act to your children? Me! I would have been up for murder, due to taking him out. At least then he would not be able to do it to anyone elses child.

inside news24

Weather
Traffic
Lottery
Cpt: 18-28°C Sunny. Warm. Pta: 18-31°C Morning clouds. Pleasantly warm.
Jhb: 16-28°C Mostly sunny. Pleasantly warm. Bloem: 13-32°C Sunny. Pleasantly warm.
Dbn: 17-25°C Sprinkles late. Mostly sunny. Mild. PE: 15-23°C Sunny. Mild.
7 day forecasts...

Jobs - Find your dream job

C#.NET Applications Developer (Contractor – R280 – R320 per hour)

Gauteng - JHB North/Sandton
E-Merge IT Recruitment
R280-320 Per Hour

C#.NET Senior Applications Developer

Gauteng - JHB North/Sandton
E-Merge IT Recruitment
R480,000-500,000 Per Annum Cost To Company

C#.NET Application Developer

Gauteng - JHB North/Sandton
E-Merge IT Recruitment
R380,000-400,000 Per Annum Cost To Company

Cars - Search 1000's of new and used cars

AUDI

2009 Audi A3 2.0 T Sportback Manual - 24000kms
Lava Grey & Tan leather interior
R 275 000

AUDI

A4 Avant 2.0 TDi Ambition Dsl MY09 Multitronic
2009
R 334,999.00

PEUGEOT

206 CC 1.6 2-dr
2004
R 109,990.00

AUDI

A4 2.0 TDi Dsl 103kW MY05
2005
R 149,995.00

Property - Find a new home

CHAKAS ROCK

Multiple Unit R4,400,000

HEUWELSIG ESTATE

Multiple Unit R1,650,000

SONSTRAAL

Single Residential R1,790,000

Travel - Look, Book, Go!

Luxury bush escape

Book a five-star stay at Pumba Game Lodge or Richard Branson's Ulusaba Safari Lodge and save R2 000. More details!

Free Games - TOO MUCH NEWS? TAKE A BREAK!

Kalahari.net - shop online today

Great Festive Savings on Books

Up to 30% Off ALL Books. 2.3 million titles on SALE.

Sleek New iPod Range. Order Your's Now!

iPod nano 16GB - Black, Was R2,499.00 Now R2,299.00! Save R200!

Up to 40% off Fabulous Festive Flicks

46 000 DVDs and Blu-Ray on sale now! Pre-order Up and District 9!

Up to 20% off ALL Music

100s of festive new releases now in stock! Now, Bump 25, Bon Jovi & more!

1000s of Festive Toys on Sale

Lots of Toys, free gift wrap, lowest prices on Lego Mindstorm, Ben 10, Hannah Montana & more!

Hot Deal of the Day!

Up to 30% off Books

Ends midnight, 30 November

2.3 million titles on sale! New Stieg Larsson, Jeremy Clarkson, Jamie Oliver & more!

Up to 40% Off Sale on All Books, Toys, CDs, DVDs & Games!