Boyfriend sentenced to 72-years imprisonment for killing partner and eight-month-old baby
Lunghani Mhlongo sentenced to 25 years for the brutal murders of his partner and their eight-month-old child, highlighting the urgent need for justice in domestic violence cases
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The Limpopo Division of the High Court sitting in Polokwane has sentenced 30-year-old Lunghani Mhlongo from Dan Village, Tzaneen, to 25 years’ direct imprisonment after he admitted to killing his partner, Hope Nkuna, and their eight-month-old child.
Mhlongo entered into a plea and sentence agreement in terms of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act.
The tragedy unfolded when an argument erupted between the couple at his parental home where they lived together.
"On 15 September 2024, following an argument, he assaulted Nkuna while she was carrying the baby on her back," confirmed Limpopo regional spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi.
"During the assault, she collided with a table, which struck the minor child on the head. He then continued to assault her by throttling her until she became unresponsive," added Malabi.
Upon checking on the baby, Mhlongo discovered the infant was also unresponsive.
Following the incident, Mhlongo left his RDP house and went to stay with another family living in the same yard.
Twelve days later, fearing discovery, Mhlongo set his RDP house alight in an attempt to destroy evidence after his brother noticed a strong odour coming from inside.
"He fled the scene thereafter. Community members alerted the police, and he was subsequently apprehended," Malabi said.
Malabi highlighted that the court imposed a cumulative sentence of 72 years, 60 years for two counts of murder, five years for defeating the ends of justice, and seven years for arson.
The sentences were ordered to run concurrently, resulting in an effective 25 years behind bars.
State advocate Patrick Magoda argued that the accused’s conduct after the murders aggravated the seriousness of the crimes, noting that arson endangered the community and his attempt to conceal evidence undermined the justice system.
"The deliberate setting alight of the dwelling constituted a serious offence of arson, posing a danger to property and the surrounding community," Magoda said.
The State further submitted that society has a compelling interest in the protection of vulnerable persons, particularly women and children, and in the firm condemnation of domestic violence and conduct aimed at obstructing justice.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentence.
Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Advocate Ivy Thenga emphasised that the value of human life cannot be overstated.
She affirmed that the NPA will continue to pursue such matters vigorously to ensure accountability and serve as a deterrent to would-be offenders.