A Cape Town father received two life sentences for raping and murdering eight-year-old Daniel Jamneck during a sleepover in Kraaifontein.

The Western Cape High Court sentenced the 49-year-old man after convicting him of murder, rape and sexual assault.

The man cannot be identified because his son, who was a key witness during the court proceedings, is a minor.

Child killed during sleepover

Daniel was attending a sleepover at his friend’s flat in Peerless Park North when he was killed on 15 June 2023.

The court heard that the man entered the bedroom where Daniel and his son were sleeping on a bunk bed.

He raped, bit and strangled Daniel while the other child slept in the same room.

Daniel’s body was later found with bite marks, abrasions and injuries around his neck.

A post-mortem examination found nail marks on the child’s neck. Adult pubic hair was also discovered during the investigation.

Court rejects father’s denial

The father maintained his innocence throughout the case.

However, the court rejected his version and found him guilty of the crimes.

The court sentenced him to life imprisonment for Daniel’s murder and another life term for the child’s rape.

He also received eight years in prison for sexual assault.

The sentences will run concurrently, meaning they will be served at the same time.

Man was on parole

The court heard that the man was on parole when he killed Daniel.

He had previously been convicted of raping a woman in 2005 and had entered into a plea agreement with the State.

The court imposed a further 10-year prison sentence linked to the earlier rape conviction.

Convict barred from working with children

The court ordered that the man’s details be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The convicted man has been permanently barred from working with children following the ruling.