Shahiel Sewpujun murder accused sentenced to life imprisonment
The Durban High Court has sentenced 32-year-old Kavitha Naicker to life in prison, and 56-year-old Rajwanthie Haripersadh to 25 years in prison - for the murder of nine-year-old Shahiel Sewpujun.
The sentences were handed down by Judge Dhaya Pillay a short while ago after the pair were found guilty.
ALSO READ: Shahiel Sewpujun murder accused plead not guilty
It comes 21 months after Sewpujun went missing - only to be found dead a few days later in a storm water drain in Phoenix.
Community leader Mervyn Reddy who has followed the trial and was present in court says they welcome the judgement and sentence.
"We as the community of Phoenix believe that sentencing could not have come at a better time - with the 16 Days of Activism approaching. We pray that the accused will take this time off to reflect and look back at the wrong-doings and the wrong actions, and the wrongfulness of what they did. And as the community, we want to send a message to those who think they can get away with this - the long arm of the law will catch up with you," he said.