Zimbabwean-Born Pastor and Son Sentenced to Life for Brutal Attack That Left Victim Without Hands
A Zimbabwean-born pastor, his son, and his daughter-in-law have been sentenced in the eMalahleni Regional Court for the gruesome kidnapping and mutilation of 31-year-old church member Dumisani Mahlangu, who had both his hands hacked off in March last year.
Pastor Solomon Mhlanga (66) and his son Enock (21) were today sentenced to life imprisonment for attempted murder. They were also handed an additional three-year sentence for kidnapping.
The third accused, Poppy Mhlanga, the pastor’s daughter-in-law, received three years of direct imprisonment for kidnapping after the court found that she played a key and active role in the crime, including suggesting that the victim be tied up to prevent him from escaping.
Conviction for a Crime That Sent Shockwaves Through the Community
The sentencing follows last week’s conviction of the trio for the brutal attack, which took place in Hlalanikahle, near KwaGuqa. According to evidence presented in court, Mahlangu was accused of stealing scrap metal and electrical wires from Soteria Ministries International, where Solomon served as pastor.
Mahlangu testified that he was seized, bundled into the back of the pastor’s van, and driven to a secluded area where his hands were violently amputated. Three other accomplices allegedly involved in the attack are still at large.
Judge Finds Victim Credible; Rejects Pastor’s Defence
Throughout the trial, the Mhlanga family denied the allegations. Their legal representatives claimed they had supported Mahlangu through personal struggles and insisted they were being falsely accused. Solomon further argued that community anger over crime and rumours had targeted his family unjustly.
But the court dismissed their defence as fabricated. The judge found Mahlangu’s version to be detailed, consistent, and backed by evidence, stating he “answered all questions fairly and directly” and had no reason to falsely implicate the accused.
“The complainant showed objectivity in his testimony,” the judge said. “Comparing the evidence, the accused are clearly lying.”
Victim Speaks of Unforgivable Trauma
After the verdict, Mahlangu expressed both relief and deep emotional pain.
“The conviction brings a sense of justice,” he said. “This thing is destroying me inside. I will never forgive him… and I will die having not forgiven him.”
He described the life-changing impact of losing both hands, the burden placed on his family, and the shattering of his dreams as the only son his parents had hoped would uplift the family.
A Community Shaken by Violence
The attack sparked outrage in KwaGuqa, with some residents reportedly threatening to burn the church in retaliation. Neighbours claimed this was not the first time violence had been meted out under the pastor’s instruction. One individual recalled a previous incident in which a man accused of theft was assaulted, stripped, tied to a pole, and beaten for hours.
Justice Delivered
With sentencing now complete, the Mhlanga family begins serving their prison terms — life sentences for Solomon and Enock, and three years’ direct imprisonment for Poppy. For Mahlangu and his community, the judgement brings long-awaited closure to one of the region’s most disturbing criminal cases in recent years.
