Father Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison After Throwing 10 Month Old Baby To The Ground In North West Attack
Man receives 22 year prison sentence after brutal assault on infant son and elderly grandmother who tried to protect him
A North West father has been sentenced to 22 years in prison after a violent attack that left his 10 month old baby boy fighting for his safety and his elderly grandmother with broken arms after she stepped in to protect the child.
The Madikwe Regional Court convicted and sentenced the 45 year old man on Friday following the shocking incident at Tlokweng Village near Madikwe on 4 January 2024.
The court heard how a family argument escalated into a violent attack when the accused grabbed his infant son during an altercation with the child’s mother and threw him onto the ground.
Although the baby did not suffer fractures, the court found that the act placed the child’s life at serious risk and amounted to attempted murder.
When the child’s 69 year old grandmother intervened in an effort to save the infant, the man allegedly attacked her with a stick, leaving her with fractures to both arms.
The accused was sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for the attempted murder of his baby son and an additional seven years’ direct imprisonment for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm against the grandmother.
Police praise successful prosecution after violent family attack
North West SAPS spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the court heard compelling evidence about the events leading up to the attack and the injuries suffered by the victims.
“During the altercation, he grabbed the 10 month old child and threw him to the ground. Although the child fortunately did not sustain any fractures, the act posed a serious threat to his life,” Myburgh said.
She added that the grandmother was assaulted when she attempted to intervene and protect the baby.
“The accused assaulted her with a stick, causing fractures to both of her arms,” she said.
The man was arrested two days after the incident on Saturday, 6 January 2024. His bail application was opposed successfully, and he remained in custody while the case proceeded.
Although he pleaded not guilty to both charges, the State presented evidence that led to his conviction.
The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearm Control Act, Act 60 of 2000.
Court sends strong warning against violence towards vulnerable victims
Authorities have welcomed the sentence, saying it reflects the seriousness of crimes committed against vulnerable members of society, including children and elderly people.
The prosecution was supported by the work of investigating officer Detective Sergeant McDonald Mosekwane from Madikwe Detectives, Advocate Zola Mpayipheli from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, and other officials involved in securing the conviction.
Officials said the sentence demonstrates that acts of violence against those unable to defend themselves will face severe consequences under the law.
The case has once again highlighted concerns around violence within families and the need to protect children and elderly people from abuse.
