By: The Youth Voice Reporter
Mbombela, Mpumalanga – The High Court of South Africa has sentenced 23-year-old SibusisoPatrick Shongwe to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his three-week-old infant son in Driekoppies, within the Nkomazi District.
The court heard that Shongwe was in a domestic relationship with the child’s mother, Noluthando Mlambo, and had previously denied paternity. Evidence presented during trial revealed that he had urged Mlambo to terminate the pregnancy and had expressed that he did not want the child.
On 01 March 2023, Shongwe contacted Mlambo, requesting to see her and the baby under the pretext of delivering items for the child. The pair met on the street as arranged, accompanied by the baby’s grandmother due to the late hour.
According to testimony, Shongwe instructed the grandmother to leave, saying he wanted to speak privately with Mlambo and see the baby. Moments later, three unknown men allegedly confronted Mlambo, creating an opportunity for Shongwe to seize the infant and flee.
A frantic search followed after the incident was reported to police. Two days later, the baby’s lifeless body was discovered in nearby bushes.
During trial proceedings, Shongwe admitted meeting Mlambo and the baby but denied abducting the child. However, State Advocate Senzo Zindela presented compelling evidence, including witness testimony and a confession statement linking him to the crime.
A post-mortem report confirmed that the infant died from sharp-force injuries to the neck.
In aggravation of sentence, the State highlighted the alarming levels of domestic violence in South Africa and emphasised the vulnerability of the victim. The Victim Impact Report detailed the devastating emotional trauma suffered by the family and community.
The presiding judge noted the disturbing prevalence of violent crime and the erosion of respect for human life, finding no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence.
Shongwe was sentenced to life imprisonment, declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his application for leave to appeal was dismissed.