Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal — The Pinetown Regional Court has handed down a life sentence to Siyabonga Shezi for the brutal murder of his own son in a heartbreaking case that has shocked the nation. The tragic incident unfolded in January 2023 when Shezi took the child from his ex-girlfriend’s home, pretending that he wanted to spend quality time with him.
However, Shezi’s intentions were far from innocent. Instead of returning home or spending time with his child, he took the young boy to a secluded riverbank near Shongweni, KwaZulu-Natal. There, in an unthinkable act of cruelty, he killed his own son.
After committing the heinous crime, Shezi called his ex-girlfriend’s sister and confessed to the murder. He also disclosed the location of the child’s body, leading to the discovery of the remains at the river.
KwaZulu-Natal National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Natasha Kara confirmed that the case was finalized in the Pinetown Regional Court on Thursday, where Shezi was officially sentenced to life imprisonment.
“In court, Prosecutor Rowan Souls presented the powerful testimony of the child’s grieving mother, whose emotional account brought the harrowing details of the case to light. Following that, the defence admitted to several key elements of the case, providing the court with critical evidence of Shezi’s guilt,” said Kara.
The prosecution also introduced the expert findings of the pathologist, who confirmed that the child had died from ligature strangulation combined with blunt force trauma to the head. The details painted a horrifying picture of what the young victim endured in his final moments.
Apart from the life sentence, Shezi was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, further emphasizing the court’s commitment to preventing future violence from the convicted murderer.
Following the sentencing, the NPA reiterated its firm commitment to ensuring justice for victims of violent crimes, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children.
“The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law and pursuing justice without fear or favour,” Kara added. “We will continue to safeguard the rights and dignity of all members of society, especially children and other vulnerable groups.”
She further expressed hope that the successful conviction and sentencing would bring at least some sense of closure and comfort to the bereaved family, acknowledging the deep pain and trauma they have suffered due to the senseless killing.
This case has left the local community and broader South Africa reeling from its brutality, serving as a grim reminder of the dangers many children face, often at the hands of those meant to protect them.
As society reflects on this tragedy, the message from the justice system is clear: crimes against children will be met with the full weight of the law.