Archive photo (Photo: Daniel Bone/Pixabay)
A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment for the murder of an 11-month-old baby following a violent attack in Philipstown in the Northern Cape.
Samuel Pieters pleaded guilty to a charge of murder after fatally injuring the child, Aidan Booysen.
The court heard that Pieters went to his girlfriend’s house where an argument arose between them. She later carried the baby on her back to lull him to sleep when Pieters attacked her with a cricket bat.
During the attack, the baby was hit on the head and suffered fatal injuries. Emergency services were called, but the child was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
In aggravating circumstances, the state presented to the court a victim impact statement detailing the mother’s emotional and psychological trauma.
The court found that, although Pieters is a first offender and has pleaded guilty, factors that count as substantial and compelling circumstances, the seriousness of the crime justifies a long prison sentence.
In addition to the prison sentence, Pieters was also declared incompetent to own a firearm.
Mojalefa Senokoatsane, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Northern Cape, says this case highlights the devastating effects of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
“This case shows once again how vulnerable victims, especially children, are often the hardest hit by violent acts. The NPA remains committed to ensuring that those who commit such heinous crimes are brought to justice and that justice is done for victims and their families.”
The NPA works closely with actors in the criminal justice system to combat GBV through effective prosecution and victim-centred approaches.
“Combating this evil requires a concerted effort from society. Communities must make their voices heard against violence and support victims to seek justice.”