A MALAWIAN national, who is in the country illegally, has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment following the death of his three-month-old baby.

The incident took place in Boegoeberg, near Groblershoop in the Northern Cape, on March 26, 2023.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the accused, Henry Manolo, 31, assaulted the baby’s mother while the infant, named Henzo, was strapped to her back.

“Both were under the influence of alcohol. An argument ensued, during which Manolo pushed and pulled the complainant, causing her to fall backwards with the baby. He forcibly removed the baby from her back, causing the infant to fall onto the tarred road,” said Senokoatsane.

He added that Manolo picked up the child and fled the scene.

“The mother unsuccessfully searched for them and eventually returned to her grandparents' home that night. The following morning, she went to the police station to report the incident. While she was away, Manolo returned to the house and placed Henzo’s lifeless body on the couch before leaving again. He was later arrested while attempting to hitch a ride to Kimberley.”

Senokoatsane said the great-grandparents testified during the trial, painting a picture of a volatile relationship marked by previous instances of abuse.

“The court had to pause several times as the baby's mother struggled to recount the traumatic events of that night. She expressed that she had not yet come to terms with her son’s death and had not even washed his clothes since his passing.”

He indicated that, in his defence, Manolo claimed the child had accidentally fallen from his hands while he was taking him from his intoxicated mother.

“He insisted that he fled not to evade the law but out of fear for his own life, as he believed the family wanted to kill him.”

State advocate Elmari Kruger argued that Manolo deliberately misled the court, knowing full well the consequences of his actions.

She emphasised that no father would simply place a severely injured child on a bed without seeking urgent medical assistance.

Kruger pointed out that Manolo’s actions were grossly negligent, bordering on recklessness, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the child’s safety.

Senokoatsane said the Northern Cape High Court, sitting in Upington, convicted Manolo of assault, culpable homicide, and contravening the Immigration Act. He was sentenced to an effective 10 years imprisonment.

“The court found that while there was no intent to kill, his conduct was severely negligent. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he added.

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Northern Cape court sentences father for death of three-month-old baby