Landmark Mpumalanga Case: Man Sentenced for Toddler's Murder

In a case that has captivated the province of Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), has voiced her approval over the life sentence given to a man found guilty of a horrific child murder.

Vincent Chunky Phahlane, aged 44, received this severe punishment in January 2024, issued by the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court. The case revolved around the distressing death of two-year-old Akanyang Maite in 2020, an offence to which Phahlane admitted.

Tragic Series of Events Leading to the Child’s Death

On the tragic day of November 30, 2020, Phahlane, driven by misguided fury, stole his father’s firearm and embarked on a mission to locate his former girlfriend at her place of employment, a school in Vaalbank. Upon her refusal to meet him, he discharged the weapon indiscriminately within the school grounds, creating panic and disorder, but, fortuitously, causing no injuries.

Continuing his terrifying rampage, Phahlane journeyed to the residence of another former partner, where he was greeted by the woman’s aunt. It was during this confrontation that Phahlane revealed his intention to find the child of his ex-girlfriend and, terrifyingly, shot and killed the woman’s young nephew, two-year-old Akanyang Maite.

Terrified by the unfolding events, the aunt released a scream, which caused Phahlane to shoot her too, in the jaw. Astonishingly, she survived the attack and played a vital role in the following trial by providing key testimony.

The Pursuit of Justice: Trial and Sentencing

In the aftermath of these horrifying incidents, Phahlane made a swift exit, returning the firearm he had stolen to his uncle the following day and then disappearing. His period of absence extended to more than a month, only to end when he voluntarily surrendered to the Police at Vaalbank Police Station in January 2021.

The charges against him were serious and numerous: murder, attempted murder, theft of a firearm, possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition, and discharging a firearm in a public area. Phahlane was initially detained for three months before being allowed bail in April 2021. However, his bail was rescinded following his admission of guilt to the charges on June 5, 2023, leading to his subsequent incarceration until his sentencing.

In meting out the sentence, the court demonstrated no mercy. Phahlane received a life sentence for the murder of the toddler. His attempted murder of the aunt earned him an additional eight years, while the theft of his father’s firearm resulted in a further seven years. His reckless endangerment of public safety with the school shooting, and his possession of the firearm and ammunition, accrued him an extra seven and three years respectively. All these sentences were decreed to run concurrently with his life sentence.

Moreover, the court declared Phahlane unfit to own a firearm, a declaration that marked the end of his status as a law-abiding citizen, transitioning him into a convicted criminal.

Reflection on the Case and its Implications

Following the conclusion of this monumental case, Lieutenant General Manamela praised the cooperative efforts of the investigators, the prosecution team, and the Judiciary, which culminated in the “massive sentence”. This case, while a chilling testament to the potential destructiveness of human behavior, also underscores the capacity of the justice system to hold wrongdoers accountable.

1. What was Vincent Phahlane sentenced for?

Vincent Phahlane was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of two-year-old Akanyang Maite.

2. What other charges was he found guilty of?

Vincent Phahlane was found guilty of attempted murder, theft of a firearm, possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition, and discharging a firearm in a public area.

3. Why did Phahlane go on a rampage?

Phahlane went on a rampage due to his ex-girlfriend refusing to meet him.

4. What happened during the rampage?

Phahlane discharged his father’s stolen firearm at a school and later went to his ex-girlfriend’s aunt’s house, where he fatally shot the two-year-old Akanyang Maite.

5. How long was Phahlane on the run after the incident?

Phahlane was on the run for more than a month before voluntarily surrendering to the Police at Vaalbank Police Station in January 2021.

6. What was the sentence given to Phahlane?

Phahlane was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Akanyang Maite, along with additional years for his other charges. He was also declared unfit to own a firearm.