Mapeu Hlanga, who was doused with acid by Yvonne Maja in a love-triangle attack, is slowly regaining her confidence after community members from Zebediela and other areas across Lepelle-Nkumpi Municipality in Limpopo’s Capricorn District raised more than R120 000 for her.
Mapeu, 27, from Mogoto village in Zebediela outside Lebowakgomo was allegedly attacked and doused with acid by Yvonne Maja, 25. The attack left her face badly injured, and this happened during a cat-and-mouse fight over the suspect’s boyfriend last October. However, the case was only opened earlier this year.
Toddler daughter doesn’t recognise her
What was even sadder is that even Mapeu’s 4-year-old daughter no longer recognises her. She is always crying whenever she comes near her.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that the case was formally reported in January 2025.
“According to the report we received, the victim was allegedly attacked and doused with acid by a 25-year-old suspect, Ivonne Maja, reportedly over a romantic dispute.
“The assault occurred at the home of the victim’s boyfriend in Mogoto village, within the Moletlane policing precinct outside Zebediela,” stated Ledwaba
“Following police investigations, the suspect was arrested on February 14. She was charged with attempted murder, which was initially reported as assault with grievous bodily harm.
Suspect out on bail
“She appeared in the Zebediela Periodical Court the following day, where she was granted a bail of R3 000. The case was transferred to the Mokopane Regional Court for further proceedings,” said Ledwaba
Ledwaba added that the accused made her first appearance at the Mokopane Regional Court on July 1. The case was postponed for further court processes and was scheduled to resume on July 21.
One of the concerned community members who was part of the fundraising, Leon Kola, told Sunday World that they decided to raise funds to help the victim back on her feet.
“We decided to intervene as community members to raise funds for her so that she can get back on her feet again.
“She lost her job after the incident eight months ago. And she has an almost five-year-old daughter to take care of,” said Kola. He also confirmed that by Tuesday, July 15, the raised amount was just over R120 000.
“During this devastating incident, Mapeu suffered severe injuries to her face and other body parts.”
Health MEC visited victim
Earlier last week, before the community’s campaign to raise funds for her, Mapeu was visited by Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego at her Mogoto homestead in Zebediela.
Mashego expressed deep compassion and commitment to supporting Mapeu in her recovery journey.
“Together, we stand with her during this challenging journey as she works towards her healing and strength. We commend her for the boldness and [for] speaking up,” said Mashego.
Mapeu was working as farm labour at the Lombards Grape Farming near Mokopane. She is currently undergoing face redevelopment at Mankweng Hospital outside Polokwane. And her progress is satisfying.
Limpopo Health Department spokesperson Percy Moagi confirmed the matter.
Treatment granted for free
“She is currently being treated at Mankweng Hospital. Her treatment is under the government’s Community Based Matters, where she is not expected to pay anything,” confirmed Moagi.
Mapeu expressed her gratitude towards the Zebediela community and the Department of Health for the work they have done so far, which includes, among others, skin grafting. She is grateful for the clinical psychologist who walked through this journey with her. And as a result, today she can relate the incident without fear of breaking down.
