Zimbabwean man in Botswana sells stepson for ritual sacrifice

A Zimbabwean man, Lovemore Sithole, aged 37, is facing the death penalty in Botswana after being convicted of selling his 6-year-old stepson to ritualists for US$15,000 (approximately 200,000 Botswanan Pula), in a horrific case that has left both countries in shock and disbelief.

Sithole was found guilty of a gruesome crime earlier this year, where he allegedly trafficked his young stepson for ritual sacrifice. The crime, which is illegal and deeply condemned in both nations, took place after Sithole reportedly agreed with ritualists, who paid him a large sum of money in exchange for the child's life.

Following the transaction, Sithole is believed to have handed over his stepson, who was subjected to unimaginable brutality. A month after the child's disappearance, authorities in Botswana discovered a skull, which was later identified through DNA testing as that of the missing boy. The remains were found in an area linked to ritualistic practices, commonly associated with illegal and barbaric rites in certain parts of Botswana.

The identification of the child's remains confirmed the worst fears of his grieving family and sent shockwaves throughout both Botswana and Zimbabwe. The community, already reeling from the tragedy, has been left in disbelief at the cruelty of the crime.

Botswana's authorities acted swiftly after the discovery of the remains, and Sithole was apprehended shortly thereafter. Investigations revealed that he had orchestrated the sale of the child to the ritualists. This heinous crime has ignited public outrage, with both countries condemning Sithole's actions in the strongest terms.

The death penalty now looms over Sithole, with many citizens in Botswana and Zimbabwe expressing a mixture of anger and sorrow at the fate of the innocent child. Botswana's legal system is expected to proceed with the sentencing in the coming weeks.

The case has sparked a renewed conversation about the dangers of human trafficking and ritual practices, with calls for stronger enforcement and stricter penalties for those involved in such barbaric acts. Both governments have vowed to continue cracking down on such crimes to ensure that justice is served and to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Source - online