By BAKANG MOKOTO
12 July 3025- A Zimbabwean man (29) was sentenced to 13 year imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for three counts of culpable homicide, failure to render assistance at the scene of an accident and contravention of the Immigration Act. The accused, Collin Mhlanga’ sentencing follows a horrific incident that claimed the lives of Omphile Jonas (16), Mi-Kayla Booysen (23) and Wessem Matthews (20).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the incident occurred on 30 June 2024, in Lerato Park, Roodepan near Kimberley. Senokoatsane said after consuming alcohol at a local soccer field, Mhlanga drove a white Navara bakkie with two passengers.
“At the Homelite intersection, he struck Omphile Jonas, who was crossing the road. Rather than stopping to assist, he fled the scene, ran a stop sign, and ignored two red traffic lights. Moments later, he collided with a stationary minibus taxi on Barkly Road, where Mi-Kayla and Wessem were seated.
“Both later succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. During the trial, state prosecutor Mothelesi Katlego Thothela led compelling evidence from five state witnesses, including one of Mhlanga’s passengers.
“Their testimonies painted a clear and damning account of reckless conduct. The court found that Mhlanga acted with gross negligence and that his actions directly resulted in the loss of three lives. His version of events was rejected by the court as false and contradictory,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said in aggravation of sentence, the State presented Victim Impact Statements (VIS) compiled with the support of Court Preparation Officer, Lindokuhle Sikhakhane. He added that Mi-Kayla’s father, a paramedic, delivered a moving testimony describing his futile attempt to save his daughter at the scene.
“Omphile’s mother and Wessem’s brother also recounted the deep trauma and lasting pain suffered by their families. The prosecution argued that only a direct custodial sentence could reflect the seriousness of the offence and the profound impact on the victims’ families.
“The court agreed, also granting the State’s request that Mhlanga be deported upon completion of his sentence due to his illegal presence in the country,” said Senokoatsane.
He said Mhlanga was sentenced to five years imprisonment for culpable homicide of Omphile Jonas, seven years imprisonment for culpable homicide Mi-Kayla Booysen) and seven years imprisonment for culpable homicide of Wessem Matthews. Senokoatsane said Mhlanga was also sentenced to additional three years for failure to render assistance.
“Mhlanga was sentenced to six months imprisonment or fine R600 for Contravention of Immigration Act. According to court, sentence on counts 2 and 3 will run concurrently. The total effective sentence is 13 years direct imprisonment.
“The NPA commends State Prosecutor, Court Preparation Officer and the investigating team for their diligence and commitment to justice,” he said.
Senokoatsane said the judgment is a stark reminder that reckless and irresponsible behaviour on the roads has devastating consequences. He said the court has sent a strong message that such lawlessness, particularly when it results in the loss of innocent lives, will not be tolerated.
“Human life is invaluable, and we will continue to pursue these cases vigorously to uphold the rule of law and deter future offenders,” said Senokoatsane.
The Guardian 