Shocking Case in Soshanguve: Parents Sentenced for Murder of One-Year-Old Daughter

Pretoria — In a harrowing case that has left many South Africans reeling, a young couple from Soshanguve has been convicted for the murder of their own baby daughter. The Pretoria High Court handed down a life sentence to 25-year-old Joseph Molwana, while his partner, 20-year-old Sphesihle Zanele Njobe, received a 15-year prison term.

The sentencing follows the tragic and brutal death of their one-year-old child in 2022. The case, which gripped the nation, exposed the depths of child abuse and domestic violence that often go unnoticed in some households until it is too late.

According to court documents, the child endured severe physical abuse leading up to her untimely death. Medical examinations revealed heartbreaking details of her condition — four of her ribs were fractured, her tiny body was covered in bruises, and there were even bite marks, all indicating sustained and violent assault.

The community of Soshanguve, located north of Pretoria, was left in shock when news of the child's death broke in 2022. Neighbours and extended family members reported that the couple had previously shown signs of aggression and neglect, but no one could have anticipated the severity of what was occurring behind closed doors.

During the trial, the prosecution painted a disturbing picture of a household marred by violence and disregard for human life. It emerged that both parents participated in the abuse, with Molwana taking a more dominant and violent role. Njobe, though younger and reportedly more submissive in the relationship, was found complicit for failing to protect her child and for her role in the abuse.

The presiding judge noted the deliberate cruelty inflicted upon the infant and the clear breach of parental duty. “This was a defenseless child who depended entirely on her parents for love, care, and protection. Instead, she was met with violence and pain in what should have been a place of safety,” the judge stated during sentencing.

The severity of Molwana’s life sentence reflects his leading role in the abuse and ultimate death of the child. Njobe’s 15-year sentence, while also significant, took into consideration her age, the possibility of coercion, and evidence that she had, at times, attempted to stop the abuse — though not forcefully enough to save the child’s life.

Child protection groups across the country have expressed horror and sadness at the incident. Speaking to local media, representatives from child advocacy organizations emphasized the urgent need for communities to remain vigilant and to report any signs of abuse, no matter how small they may seem.

“This tragedy reminds us all that we cannot turn a blind eye. If you suspect something is wrong, speak up. It’s better to be wrong than to stay silent and lose a child,” said a spokesperson from ChildSafe SA.

Social workers have also pointed out that many young parents, particularly in underserved areas like Soshanguve, lack adequate support systems. Poverty, substance abuse, and trauma from their own pasts often create toxic environments that can endanger children.

“It’s a painful reality that many young mothers and fathers do not have the tools or guidance to raise children in a safe, nurturing way,” said Thandiwe Mhlongo, a family social worker based in Gauteng. “But nothing justifies violence. It’s the community’s responsibility, as much as the state’s, to ensure every child is protected.”

Meanwhile, local residents say the case has sent a chilling message throughout the community. Many are calling for stricter oversight and increased social services for at-risk families. Some have even suggested mandatory parenting classes for young or first-time parents, to help prevent such tragedies in the future.

The Department of Social Development has acknowledged the public outcry and has vowed to reinforce programs that focus on family wellbeing and child safety. In a statement released shortly after the sentencing, the department said, “This heartbreaking case reflects the urgency of our mission. No child should suffer in silence. We are committed to working with communities, schools, and local leaders to identify and support vulnerable families before it is too late.”

Though justice has now been served in a court of law, the emotional toll of this case will continue to be felt by many — particularly those who believe more could have been done to intervene earlier. A small grave in a Pretoria cemetery marks the final resting place of a life that was never allowed to flourish. For many, that image alone is a call to action.

As the country reflects on this painful chapter, South Africans are reminded that protecting children is a collective responsibility. In the words of one community member who attended the sentencing: “We failed her once. Let us not fail the next child.”