Zimbabwean-born pastor and family found guilty of kidnapping church member and chopping off his hands

The eMalahleni Regional Court has convicted Zimbabwean-born pastor Solomon Mhlanga, along with his wife Poppy and son Enock, for the kidnapping of church member Dumisani Mahlangu.

Solomon and Enock were found guilty of both kidnapping and attempted murder, while Poppy was convicted on the kidnapping charge.

The case stems from a March 2024 incident in Hlalanikahle in which Mahlangu was abducted and severely injured. The court heard that the injuries resulted in the loss of both his hands. The exact motive for the attack was not detailed during the trial.

Throughout the proceedings, the Mhlanga family denied involvement. Their legal team argued that they had previously tried to assist Mahlangu through personal challenges and claimed they had been wrongly accused.

However, the court found Mahlangu’s testimony credible, consistent, and supported by the evidence. The judge noted that he answered questions directly and had no apparent reason to falsely implicate the accused. In contrast, the court found the defence version unreliable.

Speaking after the verdict, Mahlangu said the conviction brought a sense of long-awaited relief to him and his family. He explained that the attack had drastically changed his life and placed emotional and financial pressure on his loved ones.

He said he hoped for a strong sentence, expressing that he wished the court would consider life imprisonment for the accused.

The three will return to court on Monday, 24 November 2025, when sentencing is expected to take place. — _*TzaneenVoice*_