Jacob Molebo
By Thobeka Makume
The Atamelang Regional Court in North West has sentenced 31-year-old Jacob Molebo to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his three-year-old child on 22 October 2020. The court also declared Molebo unfit to possess a firearm, reflecting the gravity of his “inhumane” actions. This tragic case has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the urgent need to address violence against vulnerable groups in South Africa.
The horrifying incident unfolded when Molebo, who was in a relationship with the child’s mother, turned violent without warning. According to Sivenathi Gunya, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Molebo snatched the infant from her mother’s arms and “hurled the baby against a concrete wall” of a neighbouring house. The impact caused fatal injuries, and despite the mother’s desperate attempts to seek help, the child was declared dead on arrival at a nearby clinic. Neighbours assisted in rushing the toddler to medical care, but their efforts were in vain.
Molebo fled the scene and evaded police for three days before his arrest. He has remained in custody since. During the trial, the court heard chilling details of the crime, underscoring the defencelessness of the young victim and the senseless brutality of the act. Molebo pleaded not guilty to the murder charge, but the evidence presented was overwhelming. State prosecutor Advocate Edward Manicus argued strongly against deviations proposed by the defence, asserting that no “compelling and substantial circumstances” justified leniency from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
Magistrate Stephan du Toit, in delivering the sentence, described Molebo’s actions as “inhumane” and emphasised the court’s duty to protect society’s most vulnerable members, particularly women and children. He noted the alarming prevalence of such crimes in the North West, where gender-based violence and child murders remain persistent challenges. Recent statistics from the South African Police Service (SAPS) indicate that over 1,000 children were victims of murder in 2023/2024, underscoring the urgency of judicial intervention. Du Toit’s ruling aligned with the NPA’s call for a life sentence, sending a clear message that such acts will face severe consequences.
The NPA welcomed the sentence, with Gunya commending the prosecution team and SAPS investigators for their diligent work. “This sentence reflects our commitment to securing justice for victims of heinous crimes, especially children,” she said. The case has also sparked renewed calls for community-based initiatives to combat domestic violence, with local organisations urging greater awareness and support for at-risk families.
The mother of the deceased child, supported by counselling services, continues to grapple with the profound loss. The Atamelang community, shaken by the tragedy, has rallied to advocate for stronger measures to protect children. As South Africa marks Child Protection Week in May 2025, this case serves as a stark reminder of the need for collective action to safeguard the nation’s youngest citizens.
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