By Staff Reporter
MOKOPANE — The Mokopane Regional Court has found Yvonne Maja guilty of attempted murder for the widely discussed acid attack on Mmapeu Hlanga, linked to a love-triangle dispute involving Kgotlelelo Phasha at Mogoto Village on 13 October 2024.
The verdict was delivered on Monday, 1 December, after the court examined detailed testimony and video footage presented as evidence. According to the proceedings, the footage captured the accused in a highly agitated state, unwilling to accept the end of her relationship. Despite being asked to leave the premises, she allegedly made threats to expose private images of the victim and claimed to have been responsible for her losing her job.
Evidence showed that Maja retrieved a bottle from her lunch bag — described as an ordinary water bottle — and approached Hlanga before pouring acid on her. Throughout the trial, the defence attempted to argue that the act was accidental, but the court ruled that the footage demonstrated clear planning and intent to cause harm.
After reviewing all evidence, the Magistrate declared Maja guilty of attempted murder, finding her actions deliberate and premeditated.
The case has been postponed to 9 February 2026 for sentencing.
Maja remains out on R3,000 bail pending the next court appearance.
