The post-mortem results showed signs of poison, strangulation, blunt force trauma to the head and water in his lungs.

Orlando Khoza (19) from Angelo informal settlement was sentenced to an effective 20 years behind bars on charges of kidnapping and murder in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on March 31.

The charges stem from an incident during which Khoza killed Zefanias Muangua (12) who was allegedly stealing from the community, on October 19, 2019. His body was found face-down in a stream in Angelo.

The main post-mortem findings were alleged poisoning, strangulation, blunt force injuries comprising abrasions and bruising on the body and deep scalp bruising were also noted. There was a voluminous appearance of the lungs with other indicators compatible with drowning, but not specific.

The post-mortem concluded the cause of death was asphyxia (indicative of manual strangulation) and drowning as a contributory cause could not be excluded.

The kidnapping charge arises from Khoza having deprived the boy of his freedom of movement by carrying him on his shoulders to an open veld.

Khoza pleaded not guilty to both counts and was found guilty on both charges and sentenced to five years imprisonment for kidnapping and 20 years imprisonment for murder. The sentences are to run concurrently.