Man jailed 25 years after strangling two-year-old with shoelace, The Citizen reports

Lucas Kgosi Mmakgathi has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to killing a two-year-old boy by strangling him with a shoelace, according to The Citizen.

What prosecutors say happened

According to The Citizen, on 4 May 2024 Mmakgathi asked the child’s mother for permission to take the toddler to town. The mother agreed, trusting his intentions, but Mmakgathi instead led the boy into a nearby bush and used a shoelace to strangle him to death.

Police arrested him the following day, The Citizen reports.

Guilty plea and motive

During the trial, Mmakgathi pleaded guilty. The Citizen reports he said he killed the child after learning he was not the boy’s biological father.

The Citizen also reports that Mmakgathi watched the toddler take his final breath as he tightened the shoelace around the child’s neck.

Mental evaluation and court findings

Following a mental evaluation, medical experts found Mmakgathi fit to stand trial, The Citizen reports.

The state argued the killing showed extreme cruelty and barbarity, and suggested the guilty plea was a tactic to seek a lighter sentence, according to The Citizen and State Prosecutor Zola Mpayipheli.

Sentence and legal measures

The Citizen reports that Mmakgathi was sentenced to 25 years in prison and the court declared him unfit to possess a firearm. The court also found he poses a clear danger to society, The Citizen says.

Under section 299A of the Criminal Procedure Act, authorities cannot consider Mmakgathi for parole without first consulting the victim’s family, The Citizen reports.

Official reaction

The Citizen quotes the director of public prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commending law enforcement and the prosecution for their handling of the case. She said:

“This sentence reflects the seriousness with which our courts regard violent crimes against children.”

Public concern

According to The Citizen, the case has prompted strong public reaction and raises concerns about the protection of children.