Court Acquits Woman In Baby’s Death Due to Lack of Evidence

The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg acquitted Aletta Sonzulu of murder charges in connection with the death of 5-month-old Jayden Motshalefa.

The baby died from brain injuries sustained when her grandmother, who was carrying her on her back, was pushed and fell during a graduation party.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 5 Illegal Miners Sentenced For Possession Of Gold-Bearing Material

Sonzulu claimed she had no intention of hurting the baby and was intoxicated at the time of the incident.

Judge’s Ruling

Judge Steven Kuny ruled in favor of Sonzulu, stating that while Jamieson Phiri, her co-accused who has since passed away, was likely the one who pushed the grandmother, there was no conclusive evidence that Sonzulu struck any blows to the infant after the fall.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Former Minister Bathabile Dlamini’s Glow-Up Era: “I’m Still Here, Shaping Up!”

The judge noted that the rain and carpet on grass made the surface slippery, contributing to the grandmother’s fall.

Case Raises Question On Justice System 

The acquittal shows the challenges in proving intent and causation in complex cases.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: One Dead, Another Critically Injured In Verulam Car Wash Shooting

The court found that Sonzulu’s actions, although potentially reckless, did not directly cause the baby’s fatal injuries.

The State’s failure to prove Sonzulu’s direct involvement in the baby’s death led to her acquittal, sparking discussions about justice and accountability in similar cases.

---

For SA Crime News Follow SurgeZirc SA on Facebook,  X and Instagram