NPA WELCOMES 30-YEAR SENTENCE FOR INFANT’S MURDER IN BRUTAL GBVF ATTACK

Phillipstown, Northern Cape – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) notes and welcomes the sentence imposed by the Phillipstown Regional Court, where Samuel Pieters (24) was sentenced to 30 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of 11-month-old Aidan Booysen.

The accused pleaded guilty to the charge of murder.

The court heard that on 30 November 2024, the accused went to his girlfriend’s residence, where an argument ensued between them.

Later that day, the girlfriend placed her infant child on her back to put him to sleep. The accused then attacked the girlfriend with a cricket bat while she was carrying the infant. During the assault, the accused struck the child on the head, resulting in fatal injuries. Police and emergency services were summoned, and the child was later declared deceased at the hospital.

In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Kagisho Phagana Marame presented a Victim Impact Statement facilitated by Trott Manghana, which detailed the profound emotional and psychological trauma suffered by the child’s mother.

The court found that although the accused was a first offender and had pleaded guilty factors that constitute substantial and compelling circumstances the seriousness of the offence warranted a lengthy custodial sentence.

The accused was accordingly sentenced to 30 years’ direct imprisonment and declared unfit to possess a firearm.

This case highlights the devastating impact of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), which continues to plague communities and often leaves the most vulnerable, including children, exposed to extreme harm.

The NPA remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of such heinous crimes are held accountable and that justice is served for victims and their families.

The NPA will continue to work closely with its criminal justice partners to combat GBVF through effective prosecution, victim-centred approaches, and advocacy aimed at strengthening public confidence in the justice system.

Addressing this scourge requires a collective societal effort.

The NPA calls on communities to speak out against violence and support victims in seeking justice.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane

NPA Regional Spokesperson – Northern Cape Division