A North West father has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the murder of his two-year-old son, Oarabile Segonote, in a tragic case that left a family and community devastated.
Lucas Kgosi Mmakgathi, 49, was convicted of killing the young boy in Siga Village after taking him from his grandmother’s home under the pretence that they were going to the mall.
According to the details of the case, Mmakgathi instead took Oarabile to a nearby bushy area, where he strangled the child using a shoelace. The toddler was unable to defend himself against the attack.
The shocking circumstances surrounding the murder later came to light when Mmakgathi admitted to killing the child. He reportedly told authorities that he had acted out of anger after Oarabile’s mother told him that he was not the boy’s biological father.
The revelation appears to have played a significant role in the events that culminated in the child’s death. However, the court imposed a lengthy prison sentence, reflecting the seriousness of the crime and the vulnerability of the young victim.
Mmakgathi was sentenced by the Madikwe Regional Court to 25 years behind bars for the murder of his two-year-old son.
The court also ordered that he be prohibited from possessing or owning a firearm. In addition, should he become eligible for parole in the future, the victim’s family will have an opportunity to provide their views before any decision is made.
The sentence has been welcomed by local police, who described the outcome as an important step towards justice for the young victim and his family.
The case has also highlighted the devastating consequences that can arise when anger and personal disputes escalate into violence. Oarabile was only two years old when his life was brought to a tragic end.
For the family, the loss is particularly painful given that the person responsible was the child’s own father. Instead of taking his son on the promised trip to the mall, Mmakgathi took the toddler to a secluded area where he committed the fatal attack.
The court’s decision ensures that Mmakgathi will spend decades in prison for his actions. The firearm restriction further prevents him from legally possessing a weapon, while the parole condition gives the family a voice should he eventually seek release.
The police have welcomed the 25-year sentence, stressing the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for violent crimes against children.
Oarabile’s death serves as another heartbreaking reminder of the vulnerability of young children and the devastating impact that violence can have on families. His life ended at just two years old, leaving loved ones to mourn a child whose future was taken away far too soon.
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