20 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR THE ACCUSED WHO POURED ACID ON THE VICTIM 

10 FEBRUARY 2026 

20 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR THE ACCUSED WHO POURED ACID ON THE VICTIM 

Limpopo, South Africa – The Mokopane Regional Court has convicted and sentenced Yvonne Maja (25) of Ga-Rakgwatha to an effective 20 years’ imprisonment after finding her guilty of attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). Maja was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment for attempted murder and an additional two years’ imprisonment for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, with the sentences ordered to run consecutively. 

During the trial, the State led evidence that on 14 February 2024 at Mogoto village, the accused had an argument over the phone with her ex-boyfriend and the complainant. After finishing work, she went to her ex-boyfriend’s homestead, where she found both individuals. 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. The matter was reported to the police, and following an investigation, the accused was arrested. It was later confirmed that the 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, outlining the severe physical and psychological trauma suffered by the complainant. The State submitted that the accused failed to accept the end of her relationship, resulting in permanent disfigurement to the complainant. The court heard that the complainant’s life has been irreversibly altered, including her ability to move freely in her community without distress. The State further argued that the accused showed no genuine remorse and was not candid in court during her attempted guilty plea, which the State declined to accept. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the sentence. Limpopo Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv. Ivy Thenga condemned all forms of violence and stated that such sentences bring justice and closure to victims while removing dangerous offenders from society. She also commended Prosecutor Rakoma Dibuleng Christina and all stakeholders involved for their role in securing the conviction. 

Issued by: 

Mashudu Malabi 

NPA Regional Spokesperson – Limpopo 

Email: mmalabi@npa.gov.za 

Cell: 074 823 3603