Leandra man sentenced to six years in jail for killing his brother

The Evander Regional Court sentenced 24-year-old Nkosinathi Mahlangu from Leandra to six years in prison on July 29, following his guilty plea to the murder of his older brother last year.

The fatal incident took place at a tavern owned by their mother, where Mahlangu stabbed his brother during an argument. The dispute arose after Mahlangu’s girlfriend was reportedly locked in one of the tavern’s rooms, prompting her to inform Mahlangu, which escalated tensions between the siblings.

At the time, Mahlangu was carrying a knife he had been using to slaughter a sheep, as requested by their mother. He told the court he believed his brother was reaching for a weapon when he put his hand in his pocket, leading him to stab him.

Both the state and Mahlangu’s attorney agreed on the sentence, citing his remorse and cooperation during the investigation. Mahlangu immediately pleaded guilty, sparing the court time.

In sentencing, the magistrate acknowledged Mahlangu’s remorse and noted that he had been helping care for the deceased’s child, though not as the primary caregiver. However, the court stressed that remorse alone could not prevent a custodial sentence.

Mahlangu received a six-year sentence, with three years suspended for five years. He will therefore serve three years in prison, provided he does not commit a similar offence during the suspension period.

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