Pastor, Son Sentenced to Life in South Africa Over Brutal Hand-Amputation Case
A Zimbabwean pastor and his son have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the gruesome assault and amputation of a young man’s hands in South Africa after accusing him of stealing church property, in a case that has shocked communities across the region.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed in a statement on Tuesday, November 26, 2025, that the Emalahleni Regional Court in Mpumalanga found Pastor Solomon Mahlangu and his son Enock Mahlangu guilty of attempted murder and kidnapping, while the daughter-in-law, Poppy Lethnes Mhlanga, was convicted of kidnapping.
The Attack
According to the NPA and Akahi News sources, the incident occurred on March 27, 2024, when the victim was taking a shortcut through the church premises on Kroomdraai Road, Vosman.
“Solomon and Enock Mahlangu confronted the young man, assaulted him, dragged him from his vehicle, and brutally chopped off his hands with a panga, leaving him bleeding and pleading for help,” the NPA statement detailed.
The victim was discovered by a passerby and rushed for urgent medical attention. Police investigations led to the arrest of the accused, who were initially released on bail under strict conditions.
Trial Proceedings
During the trial, all three accused pleaded not guilty and opted to remain silent. Akahi News gathered that the prosecution, led by Francois Brandt, presented compelling evidence, including the victim’s detailed testimony and a photo album documenting the scene where the severed hands were found.
The court rejected the accused’s denials as improbable, accepting the victim’s testimony as credible and reliable. The prosecution urged the court to impose harsh sentences to signal that violent crimes would not be tolerated.
Sentencing and Judgement
After considering the individual roles of the accused in the attack, the court handed down the following sentences:
- Solomon Mahlangu – Life imprisonment for attempted murder and three years for kidnapping
- Enock Mahlangu – Life imprisonment for attempted murder and three years for kidnapping
- Poppy Lethnes Mhlanga – Three years’ direct imprisonment for kidnapping
All three were also declared unfit to possess firearms, a measure to prevent further threats to public safety.
Reactions and Implications
The Akahi News learnt that the NPA welcomed the sentencing, reiterating its commitment to pursuing perpetrators of violent crimes and sending a firm warning to would-be offenders.
Observers noted that the verdict reinforces the South African judiciary’s resolve to protect vulnerable citizens and uphold justice, especially in cases involving extreme violence.
This case has also ignited conversations on community vigilance and the need for heightened security awareness, particularly around religious and public spaces, to prevent similar acts of brutality in the future.
Authorities emphasised that while the sentences deliver justice, the case also highlights the ongoing challenge of combating violent criminal behaviour and the importance of swift law enforcement intervention.
Akahi News gathered that continued collaboration between police, prosecutors, and community members is vital in ensuring safety, accountability, and deterrence for violent crimes across South Africa.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org
