Lucky Alfred Mhlanga (34), was sentenced in the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, sitting in Breyten, for the murdering his 28-year-old former girlfriend with whom he fathered four children, Mpumalanga SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said in a statement.

Zinhle Happiness Nkabinde’s body was discovered on 15 February 2020, after she was reported missing on 10 February 2020. Nkabinde was physically abused by Mhlanga, so much so that she applied for a protection order against Mhlanga. On 26 December 2019, Mhlanga assaulted Nkabinde at a farm in Piet Retief , whereafter he was arrested for violation of the protection order. Mhlanga was released on bail, and is thought to have sought vengeance. When she was reported as missing at the Piet Retief SAPS, authorities, as well as her family members and some concerned community members, embarked on an unsuccessful search.

On 15 February 2020, her body was discovered in the bush at a farm in the Mahamba area, and the investigation fingered Mhlanga as the main suspect. The SAPS in Mpumalanga welcomed the life imprisonment term handed to Mhlanga, as he pleaded guilty on the charges against him. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Nkabinde, and five years imprisonment for violating the protection order. The sentences will run concurrently. “The police management in the province has applauded the sterling work done by the investigation team, the prosecution, as well as the judiciary in ensuring that the likes of Mhlanga are meted with well-deserved sentences. Police also believe that this sentence should serve as a deterrent to perpetrators of gender-based violence, who continue to cowardly prey on defenseless women.” Brig. Hlathi said.