FATHER GETS LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR SON’S MURDER

20 JUNE 2025

FATHER GETS LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR SON’S MURDER

The Ezakheni Regional Court has sentenced Ayanda Snothi Zwane (35) to life imprisonment for the murder of his six-year-old (biological) son in June 2024. On the evening of 17 June 2024, Zwane quarrelled with the child’s mother while the child was asleep. Once he had chased the woman out of the yard, Zwane carried the sleeping woman into the yard and smashed his head on a rock which was protruding from the ground. The child died because of a head fracture with severe brain injury. Zwane was arrested following the incident.

In court, Prosecutor Amelia Lieketseng Mphomane led the testimony of the child’s mother as she was an eyewitness, the photographer who attended the scene and the medical doctor who conducted the postmortem. In aggravation of the sentence. Ms. Mphomane asked the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment because Zwane’s actions had traumatised every member of the family. The family is grappling to understand why he would commit such a heinous crime. In addition to the life sentence, Zwane was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The NPA welcomes the conviction and sentence. We remain steadfast in our commitment to uphold the rule of law and pursue justice without fear or favour. We will safeguard the rights and dignity of all members of society, especially children and other vulnerable groups. We hope this outcome brings some comfort and closure to the family of the victim.
 

Issued by:

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara
NPA Regional Spokesperson
KZN Division
0716700229