The Mokopane Regional Court in South Africa has sentenced a 25-year-old woman, Yvonne Maja to an effective 18 years’ direct imprisonment after convicting her of attempted m8rder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Maja was sentenced on Monday, 09 February 2026, following her conviction on 01 December 2025.
She received 18 years’ direct imprisonment for attempted m8rder (count one) and two years’ direct imprisonment for assault GBH (count two), to run concurrently.
The sentencing stems from an incident that occurred on 13 October 2024 at approximately 17:30 in Mogoto Mabereng, Zebediela, under the Moletlane policing area.
The accused went to her ex-boyfriend’s residence, where she found him with his new partner, Mmapeu Hlanga.
An argument ensued, during which the accused allegedly insulted the 27-year-old female victim before pouring acid on her.
The substance caused severe injuries. A second victim, a 28-year-old male, was also affected, sustaining less serious injuries.
Both victims were rushed to Zebediela Hospital, after which the female victim was transferred to Mankweng Hospital, where she remained hospitalised for approximately seven months due to the seriousness of her injuries.
The accused was traced and arrested on 14 February 2025 and initially appeared before the Lebowakgomo Magistrate’s Court, where she was granted bail of R3 000.
The matter was later transferred to the Mokopane Regional Court for trial.
The case was investigated by Sergeant Nthapa Judah Swafo, whose work contributed to the successful conviction and sentencing.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the sentence, reaffirming the SAPS commitment to decisively tackling violent crimes, particularly those linked to domestic and relationship-related disputes.
She stressed that such acts will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will be held accountable through the criminal justice system.
