NORTH WEST – A 49-year-old man has been sentenced to 25 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of his two-year-old son in Siga Village, North West.

Lucas Kgosi Mmakgathi was sentenced by the Madikwe Regional Court on Friday, 14 August, after being convicted of murdering his son on 4 May 2024.

The court heard that Mmakgathi had asked the child’s mother for permission to take the boy to Rustenburg to buy him toys. After being entrusted with the child, however, he took him to a nearby bush, where he strangled him to death with a shoelace.

The incident followed an argument between Mmakgathi and the child’s mother.

Mmakgathi had been in custody since May 2024 after being denied bail.

The State argued that his guilty plea should not be regarded as a mitigating factor, given the seriousness of the offence. The court agreed and sentenced him to 25 years’ direct imprisonment.

Mmakgathi was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and may not be released on parole without the permission of the deceased child’s family members.

North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Adams welcomed the sentence, saying it sent a strong message that violence against children would not be tolerated.

Adams commended Detective Constable Noncedo Sovag of Madikwe SAPS and Detective Sergeant Luckboy Lucas Zuma of the North West Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit for their diligent investigation.

He also praised the prosecution for ensuring that the matter was successfully brought before the court.

“The sentence provides a measure of justice to the bereaved family and reinforces the SAPS’ commitment to protecting vulnerable children,” Adams said.

The SAPS said it remains committed to protecting children and ensuring that perpetrators of violence against vulnerable members of society are held accountable.

ALSO READ: No arrest after a two-year-old boy was fatally mauled by a dog