Zimbabwean Pastor, Son Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Brutal Attempted Murder, Kidnapping
A Zimbabwean pastor, Solomon Mahlangu, and his son, Enock Mahlangu, have been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of attempted murder and kidnapping in a case that shocked the community.
The sentences were delivered following a gruesome attack that occurred in March 2024, when the pair accused a young man of stealing batteries and other items from their church premises on Kroomdraai Road in Vosman.
According to court findings, the victim was taking a shortcut through the church grounds when he was confronted by Enock. The confrontation quickly escalated into a brutal assault. Evidence presented in court revealed that Enock dragged the victim from a vehicle and chopped off his hands with a panga, leaving him bleeding and pleading for help. Enock eventually abandoned the victim at the scene.
The severity of the injuries led prosecutors to charge both father and son with attempted murder. The pastor’s daughter-in-law, Poppy Lethnes Mhlanga, was also convicted of kidnapping for her role in aiding the attack.
During the trial, all three accused pleaded not guilty and chose to remain silent. However, the State — led by Prosecutor Francois Brandt — presented overwhelming evidence, including the victim’s detailed and credible testimony and a graphic photo album showing the scene where the severed hands were recovered.
The court rejected the defense’s position as mere “bare denials,” ruling them improbable when weighed against the compelling evidence.
Prosecutor Brandt argued for harsh sentences to send a clear message that violent crime will not be tolerated. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed in a statement on Tuesday, November 26, 2025, that both Solomon and Enock were sentenced to life imprisonment for attempted murder and an additional three years for kidnapping. They were also declared unfit to possess firearms.
Poppy Mhlanga’s sentencing details were not immediately disclosed.
The ruling has sparked significant public reaction, with many expressing relief at what they consider long-overdue justice for the victim of the horrifying attack.
Zimbabwean Pastor, Son Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Brutal Attempted Murder, Kidnapping