NORTH WEST — A 45-year-old man has been officially sentenced for the attempted murder of his 10-month-old child and assault GBH on the infant’s 69-year-old grandmother, following a brutal domestic violence incident in Tlokweng Village. The Madikwe Regional Court delivered the judgment on Friday, concluding a case that highlighted severe and unjustified violence against the most vulnerable members of society.
The sentencing follows a violent altercation that took place on Thursday, 4 January 2024. According to evidence presented in court, the accused became embroiled in a verbal dispute with the child’s mother. During the argument, the man grabbed his 10-month-old baby boy and threw him forcefully to the ground. While the infant miraculously escaped without any fractures, the court noted that the act posed a severe and direct threat to the child’s life.
When the child’s 69-year-old grandmother stepped in to protect the baby, the accused turned his aggression toward her. He assaulted the elderly woman with a stick, resulting in fractures to both of her arms.
The accused was apprehended two days later, on Saturday, 6 January 2024. Law enforcement successfully opposed his bail application. Although he pleaded not guilty to the charges, the State presented overwhelming evidence during the trial, leading to his conviction on both counts.
The Madikwe Regional Court handed down a stringent sentence, condemning the man to:
– 15 years of direct imprisonment for the attempted murder of his 10-month-old baby boy.
– 7 years of direct imprisonment for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (assault GBH) against the 69-year-old grandmother.
Additionally, in terms of the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000), the court declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm.
