25 years behind bars for murder of two-year-old son

Detective sergeant Luckyboy Lucas Zuma of the North West Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit was commended for his role in the investigation that resulted in the 25-year sentence.

Platinum Weekly newspaper | Madikwe – A father who murdered his two-year-old son after an argument with the child’s mother has been sentenced to 25 years’ direct imprisonment.

Lucas Kgosi Mmakgathi (49) was sentenced in the Madikwe Regional Court on Friday, 14 August 2026, for the murder committed in Siga Village on 4 May 2024.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mmakgathi asked the child’s mother for permission to spend time with the boy, saying he intended taking him to town. Instead, he took the child to nearby bushes, where he strangled him with a shoelace.

In his guilty plea, Mmakgathi told the court that he had become angry after the child’s mother told him he was not the boy’s biological father. He was arrested the day after the murder and had remained in custody after being denied bail.

During sentencing, state prosecutor Zola Mpayipheli argued that Mmakgathi’s actions showed extreme cruelty and a complete disregard for human life. The State further argued that his guilty plea should not be regarded as genuine remorse or a significant mitigating factor.

Mmakgathi was referred for mental evaluation during proceedings and was found fit to stand trial. The court found that he posed a danger to society and sentenced him to 25 years’ direct imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. In terms of Section 299A of the Criminal Procedure Act, the victim’s family must be consulted and their views considered as part of the prescribed process before he may be considered for parole.

North West provincial commissioner lieutenant general Arthur Adams welcomed the sentence and praised detective constable Noncedo Sovag of Madikwe SAPS and detective sergeant Luckyboy Lucas Zuma of the North West Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit for their investigation.

North West director of public prosecutions Dr Rachel Makhari also welcomed the outcome. “This sentence reflects the seriousness with which our courts regard violent crimes against children,” she said.