The two men who pleaded guilty to killing a six-year-old boy with a hammer received life sentences at the High Court in Pietermaritzburg on Friday.
Former family gardener Zamo Eric Hadebe (27) and Lucky Nsense Zuma (29) pleaded guilty to murder, attempted murder, and robbery earlier on
Friday.
Raelin Devnarain was bludgeoned to death with a hammer at his family’s Northdale, Pietermaritzburg home, earlier this month.
His mother Pradantha was shot and stabbed and is still in a critical condition in hospital. Police say her condition has improved slightly, but she was reportedly unaware of her son’s death.
Some possessions were taken, including the woman’s car.
The attack made national headlines and prompted a public outcry by the Pietermaritzburg community who called for maximum punishment.
Both men received a life term for murder, 20 years for attempted murder and 15 years for robbery. The sentences will run concurrently. Among those at court were KwaZulu-Natal premier Sbu Ndebele and
uMgungundlovu mayor Yusuf Bhamjee.
”The sentence imposed by the judge is fitting,” said Ndebele.
”We must deal harshly with the scourge of senseless crimes and the brutality that accompanies it.”
He called for a movement against crime to be established, and for all communities to work together and mobilise against crime.
Ndebele hoped the sentence would serve as a message to other criminals. – Sapa