Life sentences for a man who burned his partner and child to death in Soweto

Mapaballo Borotho

• A Soweto man was sentenced to two life terms for murdering his partner and five-year-old son, and 10 years for attempted murder.
• His surviving son, now 17, told the court the incident continues to haunt him and has caused ongoing seizures.
• The court described the crimes as extremely serious and deserving of the harshest punishment.

A 47-year-old man has been sentenced to two life terms for the brutal murder of his partner and his five-year-old son. He was further sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for the attempted murder of his 14-year-old son.

The convictions stem from a domestic violence incident that occurred in Protea, Soweto. On one fateful day in August 2022, the convicted murderer attacked his partner and set their bedroom alight.

This horrific incident was witnessed by the couple’s 14-year-old child, who attempted to rescue his family. However, he was prevented from doing so by his father, who later fled the scene. The children later managed to escape.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the woman succumbed to her burn injuries and was declared dead at the scene.

“The five-year-old child later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.”

The surviving child, now 17 years old, testified before the court that he continues to suffer seizures as a result of the incident. He told the court that the events of that day remain deeply traumatic, particularly witnessing the death of his mother.

In sentencing, the court described the offences as extremely serious and deserving of the harshest punishment.

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