Man Given Life Sentence For Fatally Stabbing Six-year-old Boy For No Reason

The murder of 6-year-old Olwethu Austin Zwane has resulted in Tinyiko Shawn Sengoane of Mamelodi East in Pretoria receiving a life sentence.

Pretoria’s North Gauteng High Court condemned the 30-year-old on Friday.

Sengoane murdered Zwane on October 22, 2021, by stabbing him. As Zwane was playing with other kids on Molamolele Street in Mamelodi East that day, Sengoane beckoned him and gave him money to buy a bag of chips, according to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokeswoman Lumka Mahanjana.

“When the boy returned from the shops, Sengoane lured him to his residence on the same street, where he brutally stabbed him to death. The child’s lifeless body was discovered hours later in an outdoor storeroom by Sengoane’s uncle, who was searching for his tools,” said Mahanjana.

Sengoane was arrested right away when police were alerted, according to Mahanjana.

He was arrested and has been detained ever since after the NPA successfully contested his bail plea.

“During sentencing proceedings, Sengoane requested the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, citing his status as a first-time offender and the three years he spent in custody awaiting trial,” said Mahanjana.

State prosecutor and lawyer; Lawrence More, however, contended that Sengoane killed an innocent child without cause and lacked remorse because he did not tell the court why he killed Zwane.

According to Mahanjana, Zwane’s parents talked about how their child’s passing has left them jobless because of sicknesses that developed after the deceased’s passing.

Zwane’s aunt, meanwhile, also talked about how her health declined following the murder of her nephew. Judge Papi Mosopa stated in his ruling that Sengoane had perpetrated a horrible act against a helpless child and had exhibited no remorse.

“Judge Mosopa emphasized the severity of the crime, particularly in light of ongoing government efforts to educate society about violence, especially against vulnerable groups. He stated that the life sentence aims to serve as a deterrent, ensuring the safety of children in Mamelodi and beyond,” said Mahanjana.