The Johannesburg high court on Wednesday jailed siblings for life for murdering two-year-old Athalia Bombando, who was raped, then killed, in a hotel room in Waterfall, Midrand.
The toddler, the daughter of Esther Mwenda Brown and niece of Mike Mwenda Brown, is believed to have been ritually murdered by the pair, who received three life sentences.
Hotel staff found her lifeless body shortly before midnight on April 10 2021. The siblings, who lived in Bryanston, checked into the hotel that morning. A one-year-old child who was in the room with them was rescued.
Athalia's father, David Bombando, welcomed judge Mohamed Ismail's sentence.
"We were able to get some answers. At least we know what happened in that room and I am happy with the judge's decision," he said.
Prosecutor Paul Nel had pleaded with the court to sentence the siblings to a term of life imprisonment for each count of rape and the murder count,
Adv. Nel had argued that the rape and murder were premeditated as part of a ritual killing. He further added that the most aggravating factor was that these acts were perpetrated by the deceased’s own mother and uncle, whom the deceased trusted and looked to for protection. He also called on the court to consider the conduct of the duo during the trial, alleging that they had shown no remorse.
Delivering judgment, judge Mohamed Ismail agreed, saying the pair showed no mercy when they violated the tender body of a defenceless child, and thereafter took her life in an evil way.
“The child died an agonising death at the hands of people she knew and loved”, he said.
He added that the court never got to establish the reason behind Bombando’s murder as the pair did not state their version in court, a sign of lack of accountability and remorse.
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
Mother and uncle get life sentences for 'ritual murder', rape of toddler in Midrand hotel
Image: Phathu Luvhengo
The Johannesburg high court on Wednesday jailed siblings for life for murdering two-year-old Athalia Bombando, who was raped, then killed, in a hotel room in Waterfall, Midrand.
The toddler, the daughter of Esther Mwenda Brown and niece of Mike Mwenda Brown, is believed to have been ritually murdered by the pair, who received three life sentences.
Hotel staff found her lifeless body shortly before midnight on April 10 2021. The siblings, who lived in Bryanston, checked into the hotel that morning. A one-year-old child who was in the room with them was rescued.
Athalia's father, David Bombando, welcomed judge Mohamed Ismail's sentence.
"We were able to get some answers. At least we know what happened in that room and I am happy with the judge's decision," he said.
Prosecutor Paul Nel had pleaded with the court to sentence the siblings to a term of life imprisonment for each count of rape and the murder count,
Adv. Nel had argued that the rape and murder were premeditated as part of a ritual killing. He further added that the most aggravating factor was that these acts were perpetrated by the deceased’s own mother and uncle, whom the deceased trusted and looked to for protection. He also called on the court to consider the conduct of the duo during the trial, alleging that they had shown no remorse.
Delivering judgment, judge Mohamed Ismail agreed, saying the pair showed no mercy when they violated the tender body of a defenceless child, and thereafter took her life in an evil way.
“The child died an agonising death at the hands of people she knew and loved”, he said.
He added that the court never got to establish the reason behind Bombando’s murder as the pair did not state their version in court, a sign of lack of accountability and remorse.
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
READ MORE:
Judge’s pain over cold-blooded murder of girl and toddler
#CrimeStats show how communities are failing to protect children: Cele
I lost my father when I was young and I got bewitched, says rapist and killer, but judge hands down six life terms
Man found with human body parts in freezer stabs himself
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos