Tinyiko Shawn Sengoane from Mamelodi East in Pretoria has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of 6-year-old Olwethu Austin Zwane.
The 30-year-old was sentenced by the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Friday.
Sengoane stabbed and killed Zwane on October 22, 2021.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said on the day, Sengoane called Zwane who was playing with other children on Molamolele Street in Mamelodi East and offered him money to buy a packet of chips.
"When the boy returned from the shops, Sengoane lured him to his residence on the same street, where he brutally stabbed him to death. The child's lifeless body was discovered hours later in an outdoor storeroom by Sengoane’s uncle, who was searching for his tools," said Mahanjana.
Mahanjana said police were called, and Sengoane was immediate arrested.
He has been in custody since his arrest after the NPA successfully opposed his bail application.
"During sentencing proceedings, Sengoane requested the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, citing his status as a first-time offender and the three years he spent in custody awaiting trial," said Mahanjana.
However, state prosecutor, advocate Lawrence More argued that Sengoane killed an innocent child for no reason and showed no remorse as he failed to disclose to the court the reasons why he killed Zwane.
Mahanjana said Zwane's parents expressed how the death of their child has resulted in them being unemployed due to illnesses that arose after the death of the deceased.
Meanwhile, Zwane's aunt, also expressed how her health deteriorated after her nephew was killed.
In his judgment, Judge Papi Mosopa noted that Sengoane had shown no remorse and had committed a heinous act against a defenceless child.
"Judge Mosopa emphasized the severity of the crime, particularly in light of ongoing government efforts to educate society about violence, especially against vulnerable groups. He stated that the life sentence aims to serve as a deterrent, ensuring the safety of children in Mamelodi and beyond," said Mahanjana.
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