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Harrismith, Free State
In a powerful show of justice against violent gang crime, the Free State High Court in Harrismith has sentenced Bongani Mahlangu to an effective 71 years in prison after convicting him on 11 charges, including murder.
The case, which gripped the local community, revealed chilling details of Mahlangu’s involvement in a series of brutal crimes linked to the notorious 7 Ya Power Gang, a group known for terrorizing neighborhoods through violence and intimidation.
The Charges and the Crime Spree
Among the 11 charges were murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, illegal possession of firearms, and gang-related activities. The court heard how Mahlangu played a central role in orchestrating a violent killing, part of a broader pattern of criminal activity that stretched across the region.
According to the prosecution, Mahlangu’s crimes were not random but calculated acts of terror meant to enforce control and fear as part of the gang’s grip on the community.
A Stern Message from the Bench
Judge Thabo Mokoena, in delivering the sentence, stated that the severity of the crimes and the threat posed by organized gangs left the court with no choice but to impose the maximum possible sentence for several of the charges.
“This court must send a clear message that gang violence and the destruction of communities will not be tolerated,” Mokoena said.
Community Reacts
Local residents have welcomed the ruling, describing it as a victory for justice and a warning to other gang members still at large.
“We’ve lived in fear for too long,” said one resident. “This sentence brings us a step closer to peace.”
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities confirmed that investigations into the 7 Ya Power Gang’s wider operations are ongoing, with more arrests expected in the coming months. Law enforcement has vowed to dismantle the gang entirely and restore safety to affected communities.
