South African Court Imposes 72-Year Sentence for Double Murder and Arson
The Limpopo Division of the High Court in Polokwane, South Africa, has delivered a severe verdict, sentencing 30-year-old Lunghani Mhlongo to a cumulative 72 years imprisonment for the brutal murder of his partner, Hope Nkuna, and their eight-month-old baby. The court's decision underscores the gravity of domestic violence and crimes against vulnerable individuals.
Details of the Charges and Sentencing
Mhlongo faced multiple charges, resulting in a detailed breakdown of his sentence. He received 60 years’ imprisonment for two counts of murder, five years for defeating the ends of justice, and seven years for arson. In a statement released on Thursday, February 12, 2026, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that the court ordered these sentences to run concurrently, leading to an effective sentence of 25 years of direct imprisonment.
The accused entered into a plea and sentence agreement under Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, which facilitated a streamlined legal process. In his plea, Mhlongo admitted that Hope Nkuna was his partner and that they lived together at his parental home, sharing an eight-month-old child.
Chronology of the Tragic Incident
The events unfolded on September 15, 2024, following an argument between Mhlongo and Nkuna. During the altercation, Mhlongo assaulted Nkuna while she was carrying their baby on her back. The assault caused her to collide with a table, which struck the infant on the head. Mhlongo then continued to throttle Nkuna until she became unresponsive. Upon checking the baby, he found the child also unresponsive, indicating the tragic outcome of his violent actions.
After the incident, Mhlongo went to another family's house within the same yard. Twelve days later, he asked his brother to help him move a bed from his RDP house. His brother detected a strong odor emanating from the house and alerted the family. Fearing discovery of the bodies, Mhlongo set the house on fire in an attempt to conceal the evidence before fleeing the scene. Community members promptly alerted the police, leading to his subsequent apprehension.
Legal Arguments and Prosecution's Stance
In aggravation of the sentence, State Advocate Patrick Magoda emphasized the seriousness of the offences, particularly highlighting Mhlongo's conduct after the murders. "The deliberate setting alight of the dwelling constituted a serious offence of arson, posing a danger to property and the surrounding community," the NPA statement read. "The attempt to conceal the crimes further amounted to defeating the administration of justice and undermining the proper functioning of the criminal justice system."
The State further argued that society has a compelling interest in protecting vulnerable persons, especially women and children, and in firmly condemning domestic violence and actions aimed at obstructing justice. "Murder remains one of the most serious offences in South African law, as it involves the unlawful and intentional taking of human life and strikes at the core of the constitutional right to life and security," the statement added. The NPA expressed its approval of the sentence, welcoming the court's decision.
Statements from Legal Authorities
Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Advocate Ivy Thenga, stressed the immeasurable value of human life. She affirmed that the NPA will continue to pursue such cases vigorously to ensure accountability and serve as a deterrent to potential offenders. Thenga also commended Advocate Magoda and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction, highlighting the collaborative effort in achieving justice.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the legal system's commitment to upholding justice for victims. The sentencing reflects a strong stance against crimes that threaten the safety and well-being of individuals in society.
