A former basketball coach in Cape Town, South Africa has been sentenced to life in prison for the abduction, assault, and killing of a 12-year-old boy from his team.
Marvin Minnaar, who coached the Hout Bay Snipers, was found guilty of luring Sibusiso Dakuse away before taking his life in February 2020.
Sibusiso lived with his grandmother in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay. When he failed to return home, his worried grandmother reported him missing, leading to a widespread search.
Minnaar even visited the family’s home with his stepfather, pretending to be concerned and asking if the boy had been found. He falsely claimed he had last seen Sibusiso near the police station.
Authorities later found the child’s lifeless body in a wetland near a horse trail. CCTV footage revealed the distressing moment Sibusiso tried to escape, only for Minnaar to chase after him, restrain him, and commit the terrible act.
“He kept his lie even to the deceased’s grieving father, who inquired about his son’s disappearance. Police found the deceased’s naked body lying face down in the reeds of a wetland off a horse trail two days after his disappearance. They arrested the accused later that day.
“CCTV footage showed the deceased desperately attempting to flee from the accused and him speedily chasing, catching and dragging the boy back into the bushes,” said Eric Ntabazalila, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Medical reports confirmed signs of physical harm, strangulation, and multiple injuries, including blunt-force trauma to the eye.
During court proceedings, a psychologist’s report described Minnaar as evasive and unwilling to take full responsibility. He claimed he did not realise how much force he used while restraining the child and disturbingly stated he had felt “rejected” by the boy.
The report also highlighted his antisocial tendencies and disregard for social norms.
Minnaar received life sentences for both assault and murder, along with an additional eight years for abduction.
The court ruled that his name be placed on the National Child Protection Register and the National Register for Offenders.
