ZIMBABWEAN NATIONAL SENTENCED FOR KILLING THREE YOUTHS IN FATAL ACCIDENT

11 July 2025

ZIMBABWEAN NATIONAL SENTENCED FOR KILLING THREE YOUTHS IN FATAL ACCIDENT

Kimberley, Northern Cape – The Kimberley Regional Court has sentenced Collin Mhlanga (29), a Zimbabwean national, to 13 years of direct imprisonment following his conviction on three counts of culpable homicide, failure to render assistance at the scene of an accident, and contravention of the Immigration Act.

The sentencing follows a horrific incident that claimed the lives of Omphile Jonas (16), Mi-Kayla Booysen (23), and Wessem Matthews (20).
The incident occurred on 30 June 2024 in Lerato Park, Roodepan near Kimberley. 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, 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.

In aggravation of sentence, the State presented Victim Impact Statements (VIS) compiled with the support of Court Preparation Officer Lindokuhle Sikhakhane. 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.
Sentence Breakdown: Count 1: Culpable Homicide (Omphile Jonas) – 5 years direct imprisonment, Count 2: Culpable Homicide (Mi-Kayla Booysen) – 7 years (2 years suspended), Count 3: Culpable Homicide (Wessem Matthews) – 7 years (2 years suspended), Count 5: Failure to Render Assistance – 3 years direct imprisonment and Count 6: Contravention of Immigration Act – R600 fine or 4 months imprisonment. Sentences on Counts 2 and 3 will run concurrently. The total effective sentence is 13 years’ direct imprisonment.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) commends Prosecutor Thothela, Court Preparation Officer Sikhakhane, and the investigating team for their diligence and commitment to justice. “This judgment is a stark reminder that reckless and irresponsible behaviour on our roads has devastating consequences. 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 the NPA.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson – Northern Cape Division
MSenokoatsane@npa.gov.za
073 423 3539