Collen Rorisang Mogotsi, a 32-year-old South African, was found guilty of the horrific murder of his five-month-old “son” after it was discovered that he was not the child’s real father.
The Lehurutshe Regional Court rendered its decision on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. He was given a 15-year prison sentence. In addition to denouncing his acts, the judge ruled that Mogotsi was ineligible to own a handgun in the future due to the strict handgun Control Act of 2000.
The incident happened on November 8, 2017, early in the morning. The infant’s lifeless body was found at Willowpark, Lehurutshe, and police were called to investigate. The infant had multiple injuries, including to his skull.
“He was declared dead by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) on the scene,” said Colonel Adéle Myburgh, police spokesperson.
It was stated that the baby’s mother and her boyfriend, Mogotsi, had a disagreement earlier that night in Dinokana hamlet, outside of Zeerust.
During the confrontation, the mother informed Mogotsi that the infant was not his biological child. Mogotsi, who was apparently intoxicated at the time, reacted violently by hitting the infant.
“Mogotsi then told the mother that the baby is dead and must be taken back to her parental home in Willowpark.
“Police arrested the father shortly after the incident was reported and he appeared in court on Wednesday, November 13, 2017,” Myburgh said.
Due to the tenacious efforts of Neo Sedumedi, the prosecutor, and Sergeant Thabo Tshweu of Lehurutshe Detectives, the matter was successfully resolved.
The director of public prosecutions for North West, Rachel Makhari, and province police commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, praised the collaboration that led to the conviction.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
