**Polokwane, South Africa** – In a chilling case that highlights the dangers of domestic violence, a South African man has been handed an effective 25-year prison sentence for the brutal murders of his young wife and their child, along with attempts to cover up the crime.
Lunghani Mhlongo, from Dan Village in Tzaneen, Limpopo, was convicted earlier this month in the Limpopo Division of the High Court in Polokwane. The 2024 incident, which shocked the local community, unfolded on September 15 at the family's home, where Mhlongo lived with his 23-year-old wife, Hope Nkhwashu, and their infant child at his parental residence.
According to court details, a heated argument erupted inside the house, escalating into a violent assault. Mhlongo attacked Nkhwashu while she was carrying the child on her back. During the struggle, she was struck by a table, causing severe injuries to both her and the baby. Undeterred, Mhlongo continued the beating until his wife lost consciousness. It was only later that he realized the child had also succumbed to the injuries.
In a desperate bid to conceal the deaths, Mhlongo left the bodies in the house and stayed elsewhere in the same yard. For nearly two weeks, the decomposing remains went unnoticed until a foul odor raised suspicions among neighbors. Panicking, Mhlongo set the dwelling ablaze on September 27, hoping to destroy evidence, before fleeing the scene.
Community members quickly alerted authorities, leading to a swift investigation. Mhlongo was arrested shortly after, and the case proceeded to trial. Through a plea agreement, he admitted guilt to two counts of murder, one count of defeating the ends of justice, and arson.
The court imposed a total sentence of 72 years: 60 years for the murders (30 years each, to run consecutively), five years for defeating justice, and seven years for arson. However, the judge ordered some terms to run concurrently, resulting in an effective 25 years of direct imprisonment without parole eligibility.
This verdict comes amid growing concerns over gender-based violence in South Africa, where statistics show alarming rates of intimate partner killings. Advocacy groups have called for stronger interventions and support systems to prevent such tragedies.
ReportNaija will continue to monitor developments in cases like this across the continent, shedding light on issues that affect families and communities. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, reach out to local helplines for immediate assistance.