The High Court in Johannesburg, South Africa, has sentenced Ronald Ngobeni, 31, to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his 5-year-old son, Rivoningo Capu. Additionally, Ngobeni received a two-year sentence for obstructing justice. Both sentences will be served concurrently, according to a statement from Phindi Mjonondwane, Regional Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Gauteng Division.
Ngobeni has been in police custody since October 10, 2022. The investigation, led by Warrant Officer Koko, uncovered that Ngobeni had misled his son’s grandparents, claiming he would return the child after buying clothes. Instead, he murdered the boy on October 7, 2022. Ngobeni falsely claimed he left the child with a street vendor, who denied any involvement. The child’s decomposed body was later found in a shallow grave with a fatal head injury.
During the trial, Ngobeni pleaded for a lighter sentence, expressing remorse to the court and the child’s mother. However, Senior State Advocate Thami Mpekana argued that the crime was premeditated and that Ngobeni’s explanation was unconvincing.
The court also heard from Emihle Capu, the boy’s mother, who described the profound impact of her son’s death. She revealed that her mother, who was eight months pregnant at the time of the murder, lost her unborn child due to the trauma and stress.
In delivering the sentence, Judge Karam highlighted the threat Ngobeni poses to society, affirming that a life sentence was essential for community protection. Mjonondwane from the NPA stated, “The life sentence for Ronald Ngobeni ensures that justice has been served for the senseless murder of his innocent son.”