NORTH WEST — A 45-year-old man has been sentenced to a combined 22 years in prison for the attempted murder of his 10-month-old child and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) on the infant’s 69-year-old grandmother in the North West province. The Madikwe Regional Court finalized the sentencing on Friday, 17 July 2026, bringing a definitive legal conclusion to a brutal domestic assault that originated in Tlokweng Village.
Court proceedings detailed a harrowing sequence of events from Thursday, 4 January 2024. Following a verbal dispute with the infant’s mother, the accused violently threw the 10-month-old boy to the ground. While medical evaluations confirmed the baby did not suffer fractures, the judiciary emphasized that the forceful action constituted a severe and immediate threat to the child’s life.
The situation escalated when the child’s 69-year-old grandmother intervened to shield the baby. In response, the accused attacked the elderly woman with a stick, inflicting fractures on both of her arms.
Law enforcement apprehended the suspect two days after the incident, on Saturday, 6 January 2024. Authorities successfully opposed his bail application. Despite entering a not-guilty plea, the prosecution presented overwhelming evidence that secured convictions on both severe charges.
The presiding court imposed the following direct imprisonment terms:
– 15 years for the attempted murder of the 10-month-old infant.
– 7 years for assault GBH against the 69-year-old grandmother.
Furthermore, the court invoked the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000), officially declaring the convicted individual unfit to possess any firearm.
