Bonginkosi Mokoena, 25, from Phahameng Section, Tlholong near Kestell will serve 20 years in prison for beating his girlfriend's two-year-old son who died after being brutally assaulted and submerged in cold water.
The Free State High Court in Harrismith delivered the judgment, also declaring the accused unfit to possess a firearm and work with children under the Children’s Act.
The incident occurred on June 5, 2024.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said that Mokoena had brutally assaulted the child after he soiled himself, whipping him with a stick, kicking him with booted feet, and finally placing him inside a basin filled with cold water.
"The accused and his girlfriend then went to sleep without checking on the child's condition," said Mophiring.
The following morning, realizing that the toddler was not breathing, the mother, the accused, and a family member rushed him to a local clinic.
“Upon arrival, the police and emergency services were called, and the child was declared dead,” Mophiring added.
Authorities were alerted to the case on June 6, 2024,
Police arrested the accused on the same day.
IOL News