The man convicted of kidnapping and murdering three-year-old Reiger Park toddler Cuburné van Wyk has been sentenced to life in prison.

Judge George Maluleke handed down the sentence on Friday at the Johannesburg High Court‚ sitting at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court southeast of Johannesburg.

Nathaniel “Chicken” Mpoku‚ 26‚ was convicted of the crimes on May 21.

Mpoku lured Cuburné away from the safety of a sports field in Ramaphosa Informal Settlement in Reiger Park‚ east of Johannesburg‚ on August 6 last year by giving the child biscuits.

Cuburné’s body burnt body was found three days later at a nearby mine dump. He had been strangled.

Maluleke said Mpoku did not accept responsibility for the crimes and was unlikely to be rehabilitated. He sentenced Mpoku to life in prison for murder and 10 years in prison for kidnapping. The sentences will run concurrently.

The court also heard that Mpoku has three previous convictions‚ two of theft and one of housebreaking.

Defence advocate Lumka Qoqo has indicated that Mpoku will apply for leave to appeal his sentence and conviction.