The Gauteng High Court yesterday sentenced Welmarie and Willem Smith to 25 years (plus life imprisonment) and 25 years respectively for the murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to their their three-year-old child in 2007.
The mother, Welmarie, was handed a lengthier sentence as the child was primarily in her care, while the father was at work.
The child’s murder and assault came to light after a funeral parlour in Geduld called the police after seeing the burn marks and bruises on the child’s body.
An inquest was opened, and after the post-mortem revealed the cause of death, a murder case was opened.
Also see: Alleged racial assault in Strubenvale
Springs police spokesperson Capt Johannes Ramphora says the conviction would not have been possible without the great job done by the investigating officer, WO Malusi Masikane, who followed through with the case until the very end.
Speaking after judgment was handed down, Ramphora says: “We’re over the moon with the sentence handed down to the couple.
“Justice was served and the sentence will serve as a deterrent to parents who assault or abuse their children.
“The law will catch up with you.”
The pair have already started serving their time at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre.
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