Source: Africa Publicity
The Mokopane Regional Court in South Africa sentenced 25-year-old Yvonne Maja of Ga-Rakgwatha to 20 years’ imprisonment for attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The court slapped 18 years prison sentence on Maja for attempted murder and an additional two years for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
According to the court, the sentences will run consecutively.
During the trial, the State presented evidence that on Valentine’s Day, 14 February 2024, in Mogoto village, Maja had a telephonic argument with her ex-boyfriend and the complainant, Mmapeu Hlanga.
After finishing work, Maja went to her ex-boyfriend’s homestead, where she found both individuals. She accused her ex-boyfriend of infidelity and immediately produced a bottle containing a liquid, which she poured onto the complainant’s face and parts of her body. The liquid also spilled onto her ex-boyfriend.
The matter was reported to police, and following an investigation, Maja was arrested. It was later confirmed that the victims had been doused with acid.
In aggravation of sentence, State Prosecutor Rakoma Dibuleng Christina presented a Victim Impact Statement compiled by Court Preparation Officer Maela Lebogang, detailing the severe physical and psychological trauma suffered by the complainant.
The State submitted that Maja had failed to accept the end of her relationship, resulting in the complainant’s permanent disfigurement. The court heard that the complainant’s life has been irreversibly altered, including her ability to move freely within her community without distress.
The State further argued that Maja showed no genuine remorse and was not candid during her attempted guilty plea, which the prosecution declined to accept.
