Tinyiko Shawn Sengoane, a 30-year-old man from Mamelodi East in Pretoria, was sentenced to life imprisonment on Friday for the brutal murder of six-year-old Olwethu Austin Zwane. The crime, which took place on October 22, 2021, shocked the local community and left the family of the young victim devastated. The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria handed down the sentence after Sengoane was convicted of stabbing the child to death in an unprovoked attack. His actions, which were senseless and cruel, have left a lasting impact on the community and Zwane’s family.
On the day of the murder, Sengoane lured Zwane, who had been playing with other children, by offering him money to buy a packet of chips. When the child returned from the shop, Sengoane lured him to his home, where he then brutally attacked and killed him. The boy’s lifeless body was discovered hours later by Sengoane’s uncle, who had been searching for his tools in an outdoor storeroom. Police were called to the scene, and Sengoane was arrested without delay. The shock of the crime was compounded by the brutal nature of the murder and the lack of any apparent motive.
During the sentencing proceedings, Sengoane attempted to have the prescribed life sentence reduced, citing his status as a first-time offender and the three years he spent in custody awaiting trial. However, the state prosecutor, Advocate Lawrence More, opposed this plea, arguing that Sengoane had killed an innocent child without any reason and showed no remorse for his actions. The prosecutor emphasized the brutal and senseless nature of the crime, pointing out that Sengoane had failed to provide any explanation for why he had murdered the young boy.
The devastating impact of the murder on Zwane’s family was made clear during the court proceedings. The boy’s parents revealed that the loss of their child had not only caused them profound grief but also led to severe health issues, leaving them unable to work. The aunt of the deceased also spoke about the physical and emotional toll the tragedy had taken on her, describing how her health had deteriorated in the aftermath of the crime. The suffering experienced by the family underscores the far-reaching consequences of violent acts on victims and their loved ones.
Judge Papi Mosopa, in delivering the sentence, emphasized the heinous nature of Sengoane’s crime. He noted that the murder of a defenceless child was an especially grievous offense, one that demanded a strong response from the court. The judge also pointed out the broader societal implications of such violence, particularly in the context of ongoing government efforts to combat violence against vulnerable groups. Judge Mosopa made it clear that the life sentence was not only a punishment but also a deterrent, sending a strong message that such acts of brutality against children would not be tolerated.
In the end, the life sentence handed down to Sengoane serves as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of senseless violence. It is a message to the public that acts of brutality, particularly against children, will be met with the full force of the law. While nothing can bring back the life of young Olwethu Austin Zwane, the sentence provides a measure of justice for the family and a commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society.
