Cape Town – The Johannesburg high court reportedly handed siblings, Esther Brown and her brother Mike Brown three life sentences for the brutal murder of two-year-old Josephine Bombando on Wednesday.
Reports said the toddler was reportedly raped then killed in a ritual performed by her mother Esther and uncle Mike at a hotel in Midrand in 2021.
The pair were arrested in April last year, reports said.
The High Court convicted the two for rape, murder and contravention of the Immigration Act, reported Jacaranda FM.
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“Esther and Mike Mwenda Brown have been sentenced to three life terms and a further 18 months’ imprisonment each,” the report quoted National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane as saying.
The court heard that the siblings carried the toddler’s lifeless body” to the reception of the hotel and she was declared dead at the venue by paramedics, News24 reported.
According to Mjonondwane evidence gathered by police in a preliminary investigation pointed to a possible ritual murder, the report said.
“Crucifix signs made from oil were found on the room’s mirrors and other shiny surfaces,” said Mjonondwane according to the report.
Autopsy report attributed the cause of death to the application of external pressure to the girl’s neck and head. There were also injuries to her private parts, said Mjonondwane.
While the prosecutor, advocate Paul Nel, told the court that the rape and murder were premeditated as part of a ritual killing and the duo did not show remorse, the report said.
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
