The Mokopane Regional’s Court has today, Monday 9 February delivered its sentence in the case of Mmapeu Hlanga’s acid attack.
The perpetrator, Yvonne Maja who was found guilty of attempted murder was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment.
Additionally, Maja received a 2-year sentence for pouring acid, which will run concurrently with the 18-year sentence.
This is in relation to the much talked acid attack on Mmapeu Hlanga following a love triangle which involved Kgotlelelo Phasha at Mogoto Village on 13 October 2024.
The turning point in the trial was when the court revealed a disturbing sequence of events following a video that was provided as part of evidence.
The victim, Mmapeu, provided a detailed account of the incident, corroborated by video footage. The footage showed the accused displaying extreme anger and a refusal to accept the termination of her relationship.
Despite being asked to leave, she persisted, threatening to publish intimate images of the survivor and boasting about having caused her to lose her job.
The video footage further showed the accused opening her lunch bag, claiming she was thirsty and wanted to retrieve her bag which she had left inside the house.
The bottle in question, a typical Tupperware water bottle, was used as a vessel for the acid.
She then slowly walked towards the survivor, as if talking to her, before pouring the acid from the bottle onto Mmapeu.
During the trial, the defense argued that the act was unintentional. However, the video evidence clearly indicated premeditation and intent to harm.
After careful consideration of the evidence, the Magistrate delivered a verdict, finding the accused guilty of attempted murder.
The court determined that the accused’s actions were premeditated and deliberate.
The victim, Mmapeu Hlanga has thanked the public for the support afforded to her during the trial.
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