MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR FEMICIDE
The High Court of South Africa: The Mpumalanga Division, Mbombela has today sentenced Themba Stompana Mahlangu (45) to life imprisonment for premeditated murder of his girlfriend ,Tumelo Maria Mamogale.The accused was in a domestic relationship with the deceased residing together in Mashishing in the district of Thaba Cheu as lovers.
In the early morning of 04 October 2022,the deceased neighbors heard her screaming and went to investigate.They found the accused assaulting the deceased, hitting her with fists and bumping her against the gate.He further stabbed her with a broken bottle.The deceased became unconscious and succumb to the injuries. After realising that the deceased in no longer breathing he left the scene leaving the deceased dying.
The accused pleaded not guili guilty and allegedly that on the day of the incident they were attacked by the group of four unknown males. State Advocate Antoinette Nkosi led testimonies of three neighbours who witnessed the crime .A police officer who attended the crime scene also testified from what he observed from the crime scene. This was supported by a post mortem report which confirmed that the deceased died of sharp force injury to the neck.
Advocate Antoinette Nkosi handed in victim impact statement compiled by the deceased’s mother facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Zodwa Lekhuleni.She detailed that she cannot come to turns with the death of her daughter she even lost weight and has now to be the grandmother and the mother of the deceased kids who always ask why their mother died.
Before sentencing the accused Acting Judge Sheila Msibi remarked that the country is suffering high levels of violent crimes particularly gender based violence in domestic relationships.She sentenced the accused to life imprisonment and the court further declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the sentence imposed on the accused and remains committed in fighting the high levels of gender based violence and related offences.
