MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR THE BRUTAL MURDER OF HIS GIRLFRIEND 

6 February 2026 

MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR THE BRUTAL MURDER OF HIS GIRLFRIEND 

Emalahleni, Mpumalanga – The Emalahleni Regional Court has convicted and sentenced 44-year-old Dingane Solomon Dlamini to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Mamokete Lucia Lechela. The accused and the deceased were in a domestic relationship and lived together in Ogies. Before the fatal incident, the couple had reportedly been involved in a heated argument during which Dlamini assaulted the deceased with open hands and threatened to kill her with poison. 

On 01 November 2024, the deceased’s brother-in-law visited the couple at their residence and found them engaged in another heated argument. He intervened and managed to calm the situation. However, as he was leaving, the deceased ran after him, screaming for help, while Dlamini chased her armed with a knife. He then stabbed the deceased in the neck before the brother-in-law could protect her. 

The police were alerted, and Dlamini was subsequently arrested. During the trial, Dlamini pleaded not guilty and claimed that the deceased had been accidentally injured by a bottle. However, Regional Prosecutor Francois Brandt presented compelling eyewitness testimony that directly implicated the accused. The State also led evidence from another witness, whose testimony demonstrated that the relationship had been characterised by gender-based violence. 

A post-mortem report confirmed that the cause of death was multiple stab wounds. The court found the State witnesses credible, rejected Dlamini’s version as false, and convicted him of premeditated murder. In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Brandt addressed the court on the prevalence of domestic violence in the country, highlighting that women and children are often harmed by those closest to them. He urged the court to impose an appropriate sentence that would reflect the seriousness of the offence. 

In handing down the sentence, the court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence. Dlamini was sentenced to life imprisonment and declared unfit to possess a firearm. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the finalisation of this matter and reiterates its commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide. The NPA remains resolute in prioritising cases involving vulnerable persons and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. 

Issued by: 

Monica Nyuswa 

NPA Regional Spokesperson 

Director of Public Prosecutions – Mpumalanga 

Tel: 013 045 0625 / 076 485 5446 

Email: mnyuswa@npa.gov.za