Mpumalanga man gets life behind bars for killing ex-girlfriend's 2-year-old nephew
The community of Vaalbank was left traumatised after the man went on a shooting spree in November 2020, targeting two of his ex-girlfriends.
Picture: Pixabay
JOHANNESBURG - A Mpumalanga man has been handed a life sentence for murdering his ex-girlfriend’s two-year-old nephew.
The community of Vaalbank was left traumatised after the man went on a shooting spree in November 2020, targeting two of his ex-girlfriends.
In a disturbing fit of rage, Vincent Phalane stole his father’s firearm to confront his former partner at a Vaalbank school where she worked. When she declined to meet him fearing for her safety, Phalane opened fire at the school premises.
He then proceeded to another ex-lover's residence where he was confronted by her aunt.
During that confrontation, the 44-year-old man shot and killed her two-year-old child, before shooting his lover's aunt in the jaw and fleeing the scene.
The victims survived the ordeal while Phalane managed to elude police for over a month, before finally surrendering and pleading guilty.
The Mpumalanga High Court sitting in Middelburg handed down the life sentence last week, bringing a semblance of justice to the devastated community.