Strangled with shoelace: Father sentenced to 25 years in jail for son's murder

A man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for strangling his two-year-old son with a shoelace, according to the Madikwe Regional Court. The court heard the details of the horrific crime on May 4, 2024. The accused, Lucas Mmakgathi, 49, had requested to spend time with the child in town, which the child's mother agreed to due to her trust in his intentions.

However, Mmakgathi took the child to a nearby bush instead and executed his plan. The National Prosecuting Authority reported that Mmakgathi was arrested the following day. During sentencing, State Prosecutor Zola Mpayipheli described the accused's actions as exhibiting extreme cruelty, hatred, barbarity, and a profound disregard for human life.

The accused claimed that feelings of anger and hatred prompted his actions, and that he was upset after the child's mother informed him he was not the biological father. The court found the accused fit to stand trial after a mental evaluation. The State argued that Mmakgathi's guilty plea was not genuine remorse but an attempt to reduce his sentence.

The prosecution stressed the severity of crimes against women and children, urging the court to impose a fitting sentence. The court agreed with the State's submissions and deemed Mmakgathi a danger to society, emphasizing the need for a significant period of removal from the community. Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, praised the collaboration between the South African Police Service, prosecutor, and court in ensuring justice was served, highlighting the commitment of the criminal justice system to protecting vulnerable members of society and holding accountable those who commit such heinous acts.