LIFE IMPRISONMENT AND 10-YEAR SENTENCE FOR FATHER WHO MURDERED HIS DAUGHTER

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the successful prosecution and sentencing of Tshilidzi Vincent Mudau (39) by the Waterval Regional Court, which imposed life imprisonment for murder and 10 years' imprisonment for arson. 

Mudau, from Tshitale, pleaded not guilty to both charges. After being represented by several legal representatives during the trial, he ultimately elected to conduct his own defence.

The court heard that on 04 December 2023, at Ha-Maila Kanana in Tshitale, the mother of the deceased had applied for a protection order against the accused. After learning of this, Mudau telephoned her and threatened to burn down her house and kill their four-year-old daughter if she did not allow him access to the child.

Later that day, the mother received information that her house had been set alight and rushed to the scene with members of her family. While she was speaking to the police, the accused arrived, forcibly snatched the child from her arms, and fled. A short distance away, he held the child by her legs and smashed her head against the ground twice. The child sustained multiple skull fractures and succumbed to her injuries. The accused was immediately arrested.

During sentencing proceedings, State Prosecutor Lebogang Maluleke argued that the matter constituted a brutal form of Gender-Based Violence and that the deceased was among the most vulnerable members of society. The State further submitted that society must be protected from offenders who commit such heinous crimes.

The prosecution highlighted that the accused is not a first-time offender and has eight previous convictions for violent offences, demonstrating a pattern of violent conduct. The State argued that he was not a suitable candidate for rehabilitation, had displayed extreme cruelty towards both the child and her mother, and had shown no remorse for his actions.

In imposing sentence, the court sentenced Mudau to life imprisonment for murder and 10 years' imprisonment for arson. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of life imprisonment.

Welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Adv. Ivy Thenga, said: "The sanctity of human life can never be overemphasised. The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are held accountable. We will continue to pursue these matters vigorously to protect the most vulnerable members of our society and to send a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated."

Adv. Thenga also commended the prosecution and investigating teams for their commitment and diligence in securing justice for the victim and her family.

Ends

Issued by:

Mashudu Malabi

Regional Spokesperson

Limpopo Division

National Prosecuting Authority