A 37-year-old Zimbabwean man, Lovemore Sithole, has been convicted in Botswana for selling his six-year-old stepson for ritual sacrifice, a crime that has shocked communities throughout southern Africa.

Sithole, who reportedly received $15,000 USD (around 200,000 Botswana Pula) for the child, now faces the death penalty, as the case has ignited widespread outrage.

Earlier this year, Sithole arranged a gruesome deal, trafficking his stepson to individuals allegedly involved in ritualistic practices.

Investigators revealed that he negotiated the transaction, handing over the child in exchange for the large sum of money. The tragedy culminated in the boy’s disappearance and eventual death, leaving his family and communities in both Botswana and Zimbabwe devastated.

The boy was initially reported missing, and a month later, authorities in Botswana found human remains in an area linked to suspected ritual activities. DNA testing confirmed that the remains were those of the missing child, solidifying Sithole’s involvement in the crime.

The revelation has left the boy’s family and the public in shock, with citizens across both countries expressing their anger and grief over the barbaric nature of the act. Many are calling for the harshest possible penalties for Sithole.

Botswana authorities swiftly arrested Sithole after the remains were discovered, uncovering evidence connecting him to the child’s sale. The case has reignited debates over capital punishment in Botswana, where the death penalty is enforced for severe crimes.

As Sithole awaits sentencing, the case highlights the ongoing issue of ritualistic killings in the region and underscores the need for stronger protections for vulnerable children. The pursuit of justice in this case has become a rallying point for communities seeking both closure and a deterrent against such horrific crimes.