The Mhala Regional Court has handed down a 15-year prison sentence to 44-year-old Vusi Morupane for attempted murder. The ruling was delivered on 15 July 2025, nearly two years after the violent attack.
The incident occurred on 24 September 2023 at around 18:00 in an Acornhoek tavern. According to the victim, Ronald Mathebula, he had arrived at the establishment at approximately 17:00 to have a drink when Morupane suddenly attacked him, stabbing him in the chest with a knife. The assault left Mathebula critically injured, and he collapsed at the scene. He was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent treatment and remained admitted for several days.
Following the attack, a case of attempted murder was opened, and an intensive police investigation led to Morupane’s arrest on 17 October 2023.
After a lengthy legal process, the court found Morupane guilty and imposed a 15-year direct prison sentence with no option for parole. Additionally, the court declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
