South African woman jailed 17 years for beating toddler to death

• The convict beat the baby up with a peach tree stick
• The court handed her 17 years in jail for the offence
• She was taking care of the baby as its mother worked in Cape Town

A 49-year-old South African woman has been jailed 17 years for murder of a 19-months-old baby, the National Prosecution Authority, NPA, reported on May 27.

The NPA said the High Court in Eastern Cape Division sentenced Ncedeni Qwabe for physically assualting the baby with a peach tree stick leading to its death.

The statement was issued by Anelisa Ngcakani, NPA Regional spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Division.

NPA Statement: WOMAN GETS 17 YEARS FOR BEATING TODDLER TO DEATH

The High Court of South Africa: Eastern Cape Division, Bhisho sentenced a 49-year-old woman, Ncedeni Qwabe, to 17 years imprisonment for beating to death a 19-months-old baby girl, Qhamokuhle Ndziba.

Qwabe had a love affair with the child's uncle, Sityebi Ndziba (47) and the couple was taking care of the child while her mother worked in Cape Town.

On 27 July 2020 at their home in Keiskammahoek, Qwabe assaulted the baby with a peach tree stick because the child had messed the floor with water while she was being bathed.

Qwabe initially said she hit the child lightly with a cloth. However, during cross-examination by the prosecutor, Advocate Louis Sinclair, she revealed that she beat the child up with a peach tree stick.

Qhamokuhle died during the evening due to internal injuries and blood loss.