A Zimbabwean pastor and his son have been handed life imprisonment sentences for their involvement in a brutal attack that resulted in a young man having his hands chopped off over allegations of theft.
The Horrific Attack
On March 27, 2024, a victim taking a shortcut through church premises on Kroomdraai Road towards Extension 16 in Vosman was confronted by Enock Mahlangu and other accused individuals. The confrontation escalated into a violent assault that would leave the victim permanently disabled.
According to court proceedings, pastor Solomon Mahlangu and his son Enock dragged the victim from a vehicle and proceeded to chop off his hands using a panga. The attackers then abandoned the victim at the scene while he bled profusely and pleaded for assistance.
Justice Served
The Emalahleni Regional Court in Mpumalanga delivered the verdict on Tuesday, November 26, 2025, following a thorough trial process. Pastor Solomon Mahlangu and his son Enock Mahlangu were convicted of attempted murder and kidnapping, while their daughter-in-law, Poppy Lethnes Mhlanga, was found guilty of kidnapping.
During the trial, all three accused persons pleaded not guilty and chose to remain silent. However, the State, represented by Prosecutor Francois Brandt, presented compelling evidence that included:
- The victim's detailed testimony describing the horrific attack
- A photo album showing the scene where the severed hands were discovered
- Medical evidence confirming the severity of the injuries
The court found the accused persons' testimony to be bare denials and rejected their versions as improbable, while accepting the victim's account as truthful and reliable.
Sentencing and Consequences
In delivering the sentences, the court considered the role each accused played in the commission of the offences. Solomon Mahlangu and Enock Mahlangu each received life imprisonment for attempted murder and an additional three years for kidnapping.
Poppy Lethnes Mhlanga was sentenced to three years of direct imprisonment for her involvement in the kidnapping. All three accused were declared unfit to possess firearms.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentences, stating they remain unwavering in their commitment to vigorously pursuing perpetrators of violent crimes. This case sends a clear and firm message to would-be offenders that such brutal acts will not be tolerated in South Africa.
