The High Court in Limpopo has sentenced 36-year-old Humbulani Audrin Oliver Hlengani to two life terms and an additional 62 years in prison following his conviction on multiple charges. These charges include murder, rape, robbery with aggravating circumstances, housebreaking with intent to commit sexual offenses, and possession of a firearm, among others. The court also ordered that some of the sentences be served concurrently, resulting in an effective life sentence for Hlengani.
Hlengani, a resident of Musina, was found guilty of a series of offenses committed between 2013 and 2018. The court heard that he targeted members of the Zimbabwean community in the Musina-Matswale area, breaking into their homes and committing a range of serious crimes. During the trial, it was revealed that Hlengani often used weapons to intimidate his victims. His actions left a lasting impact on the community, causing widespread fear and distress.
In one particularly tragic case, a young woman was harmed, and the family endured an extended wait for confirmation of her identity through DNA testing. The evidence against Hlengani was later solidified through DNA, linking him to several crimes, which ultimately led to his conviction. This case highlighted the importance of forensic evidence in bringing perpetrators to justice and ensuring that victims’ families received the closure they deserved.
During the sentencing, Advocate Nnyambeni Nekhambele, representing the State, stressed that Hlengani had shown no remorse for his actions and that his crimes had caused significant harm to the community. The State submitted that there were no compelling reasons to reduce the sentence, given the gravity of the offenses. The court agreed, ensuring that Hlengani would be removed from society for a substantial period to prevent further offenses.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo has welcomed the sentence, with Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Ivy Thenga, reiterating the NPA’s commitment to tackling crimes that affect vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children. She expressed hope that the lengthy sentence would serve as a deterrent to others considering similar actions. Thenga also praised the hard work of Advocate Nekhambele and all those involved in securing justice for the victims.
This outcome reflects a firm commitment to upholding the rule of law and addressing serious offenses with the appropriate legal response. While Hlengani’s sentence brings a sense of justice, it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to create safe and supportive communities, where individuals are protected and perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
