Mmapeu Neo Hlanga pictured before the acid attack that left her with permanent injuries. She has welcomed the 20-year prison sentence handed to her attacker. Picture Credit: Facebook
By Aisha Zardad
Limpopo — A 27-year-old Limpopo woman who survived a brutal acid attack says she feels a measure of relief after her attacker was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment.
Mmapeu Neo Hlanga, from Zebediela, was left permanently scarred after she was attacked by her former boyfriend’s ex-partner, Yvonne Maja, 25. The Mokopane Regional Court sentenced Maja to an effective 20 years behind bars after convicting her of attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
Limpopo National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi confirmed that Maja received 18 years for attempted murder and an additional two years for assault GBH, with the sentences ordered to run consecutively.
The court heard that the attack followed escalating tensions between the parties. According to the State, on February 14, 2024, at Mogoto village, Maja had argued telephonically with her former boyfriend and Hlanga. Later, after finishing work, she went to the man’s homestead where she found the pair.
“She accused her ex-boyfriend of infidelity and immediately produced a bottle containing a liquid, which she poured onto the complainant’s face and parts of her body. The liquid also spilt onto her ex-boyfriend,” Malabi said.
The matter was reported to police, following investigations, Maja was arrested. It was later confirmed that both victims had been doused with acid.
In aggravation of sentence, State Prosecutor Rakoma Dibuleng Christina presented a victim impact statement compiled by court preparation officer Maela Lebogang. The statement detailed the severe physical and psychological trauma suffered by Hlanga.
“The State submitted that the accused failed to accept the end of her relationship, resulting in the permanent disfigurement of the complainant,” Malabi said.
“The court heard that the complainant’s life has been irreversibly altered, including her ability to move freely in her community without distress.”
The prosecution further argued that Maja showed no genuine remorse and was not candid during her attempted guilty plea, which the State declined to accept.
The NPA welcomed the sentence. Limpopo Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Ivy Thenga, condemned all forms of violence, stating that such outcomes provide justice and closure to victims while removing dangerous offenders from society. She also commended the prosecutor and stakeholders involved in securing the conviction.
Hlanga said while the sentence did not fully meet her expectations, she accepted the court’s decision.
“I am happy that she was found guilty and sentenced, but I was expecting a life sentence, especially given how much damage the acid did to my body,” she said.
“At least the justice system did not fail me. It’s better than her still being outside, and I do welcome the sentence.”
The attack, which Hlanga said took place in October 2024, occurred after Maja arrived at the man’s home under the pretence of seeking peace. “She took out what I thought was a cold drink from her handbag, but it was acid,” Hlanga said.
“She stood in front of me and poured it on my face and body.”
Hlanga sustained severe burns to her chest, hands and thighs. She was first treated at Zebediela Hospital before being transferred to Mankweng Hospital, where she remained for several months. She is still receiving ongoing treatment at Mankweng Hospital and requires further medical procedures.
“I will live with these scars forever. I need operations because my eyesight has been affected, my hearing is not good, and my nose still needs surgery,” she said.
The 27-year-old mother of a four-year-old girl said the trauma has profoundly affected her health and family life.
“I can’t even look at myself in the mirror. My child doesn’t recognise me anymore,” she said, adding that the attack robbed her of her dignity.
Hlanga had previously been studying plumbing at Capricorn TVET College but dropped out in 2021 due to financial constraints. She later found work as a general worker on a farm in Mokopane, where she met the man she began dating in 2024. He reportedly shared a child with Maja and claimed they had separated.
Hlanga said tensions escalated when Maja became jealous and began spreading rumours at their workplace, which she believes led to her dismissal from the farm in August 2024. The relationship has since ended.
Despite the ordeal, Hlanga said she has been supported by her community.
“The support has been overwhelming. They have been there for me since day one,” she said.
