The High Court in Limpopo, sitting in Waterval, 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, two counts of rape, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm, and housebreaking with intent to commit rape. Hlengani, from Musina, was also found guilty of attempted theft from a motor vehicle and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The court decided that some of his sentences would run concurrently, resulting in an effective life sentence.
Hlengani’s crimes, which occurred between 2013 and 2018, primarily affected the community of Musina-Matswale, where he repeatedly targeted vulnerable individuals, particularly Zimbabwean nationals renting accommodation in the area. Armed with a knife and a firearm, Hlengani would break into the homes of his victims. His repeated offenses created a sense of fear and insecurity in the local community, leaving a lasting impact on those affected. His actions were eventually linked to him through DNA evidence, which played a key role in securing his conviction.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Hlengani’s offenses were not just criminal but had deeply emotional and psychological consequences for the victims and their families. In one case, he was involved in an incident that caused immense grief to a family, as the victim’s body was discovered under distressing circumstances. This event, along with the others, highlighted the emotional toll his actions had on the community, causing prolonged distress for the victims’ families as they waited for justice to be served.
In addressing the court, advocate Nnyambeni Nekhambele, representing the State, noted that Hlengani showed no remorse for his actions. He further emphasized the importance of ensuring that individuals who engage in such harmful behavior are removed from society to prevent further harm. The prosecution argued that there were no circumstances that would justify a reduction in the sentence, given the severity of Hlengani’s actions and the deep emotional impact they had on the victims and the broader community.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo has welcomed the court’s decision, with Advocate Ivy Thenga, the Director of Public Prosecutions, stressing that the sentence is a strong reflection of the NPA’s ongoing commitment to addressing crimes against women and children. Thenga expressed hope that this sentence would act as a deterrent, sending a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated. She also commended the work of prosecutor Nnyambeni Nekhambele and other key stakeholders who contributed to the case, acknowledging their dedication to bringing justice to those affected by Hlengani’s actions.
This sentence marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice for the victims and serves as an example of the justice system’s commitment to accountability and fairness. While no sentence can undo the harm caused, the hope is that this outcome will help the community begin to heal, providing a sense of closure for the families and reinforcing the importance of upholding the law and ensuring the safety of all members of society.
