Sibusiso Patrick Shongwe was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court for the murder of his three-week-old son in Driekoppies.
Image: File
An Mpumalanga father has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the tragic murder of his three-week-old son in Driekoppies, within the Nkomazi District.
NPA Mpumalanga regional spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said the authority welcomed the sentence and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating domestic violence and crimes against vulnerable persons.
The High Court in Mpumalanga heard that Shongwe, 23, was in a domestic relationship with the child’s mother, Noluthando Mlambo, but had denied paternity when informed of the pregnancy and previously indicated that he did not want the child.
The incident occurred on March 1, 2023, when Shongwe contacted Mlambo and requested to meet her and the baby under the pretext of providing items for the child. They met on the street as arranged, accompanied by the child’s grandmother because of the late hour.
Shongwe instructed the grandmother to leave, saying he wanted to speak to Mlambo and see the baby.
Moments later, three unknown men accosted Mlambo, enabling Shongwe to take the infant and flee. The matter was reported to the police, and a search operation was launched. Two days later, the baby’s body was found in nearby bushes. Shongwe was later arrested.
Sibusiso Patrick Shongwe.
Image: NPA
During the trial, Shongwe admitted that he had met Mlambo and the baby on the day, but denied taking the child. State advocate Senzo Zindela presented witness testimony and a confession statement as part of the state’s case.
The deceased’s mother, Mlambo, testified that Shongwe had urged her to terminate the pregnancy.
A post-mortem report confirmed that the infant died as a result of sharp-force injuries to the neck.
In aggravation of sentence, Zindela addressed the prevalence of domestic violence in South Africa and highlighted the vulnerability of the victim, submitting that Shongwe had shown no remorse and urging the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.
A Victim Impact Report submitted to the court detailed the emotional trauma suffered by the family and the broader community.
In handing down judgment, the presiding judge remarked on the high levels of violent crime in the country, including domestic violence, and expressed concern about what was described as an erosion of respect for human life.
Nyuswa said the court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence and imposed life imprisonment. Shongwe was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his application for leave to appeal was dismissed.
The National Prosecuting Authority in Mpumalanga welcomed the sentence, adding that it would continue to pursue justice with diligence, professionalism, and compassion in cases involving crimes against vulnerable persons.