A Gauteng police sergeant has been sentenced to 17 years’ direct imprisonment for the premeditated murder of her husband in Soshanguve in 2024.
The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria convicted Sergeant Kate Lindiwe Hlongwane, 47, who was stationed at Dube police station. Her husband, Russel Hlongwane, 40, was the father of their three children.
According to National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, on 27 January 2024, Hlongwane visited a sangoma in Soshanguve Block JJ. Her husband tracked the family vehicle to the location, found her there, and ordered her home.
After an argument at their residence, Russel said he would take his wife to his parents’ home so she could “learn discipline.” They loaded clothes into the vehicle and drove off, but returned shortly afterwards. Hlongwane then shot her husband multiple times with her service pistol.
A domestic worker heard gunshots and found Russel bleeding on the ground outside the gate. He was rushed to Akasia Hospital by a neighbour but died from his injuries. Hlongwane was arrested the following day.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) investigated the case.
Hlongwane pleaded not guilty, claiming the firearm discharged accidentally during a struggle. However, ballistic evidence presented by advocate Vhungani Khoza showed the shots were fired from a distance, disproving her version.
During sentencing, Hlongwane’s legal representative requested leniency, citing her status as a first-time offender and mother of three. The State argued she showed no remorse and, as a trained officer, had abused her service weapon to commit an act of domestic violence.
Judge Papi Mosopa found Hlongwane had not apologised to the victim’s family even after conviction. While deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence, he imposed 17 years’ imprisonment to send a clear message that violence is not an acceptable means of resolving conflict.
