Prison warden charged with attempted murder after stabbing his girlfriend 25 times as her 9-year-old son watched

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 - A Department of Correctional Services (DCS) warden allegedly st@bbed his girlfriend over 25 times in front of her 9-year-old son in South Africa.

The suspect, Kakuhle Mpongoma, made an appearance in the Mthatha Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, where he was charged with attempted murder. 

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, Mpongoma also faces assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm charges.

The 39-year-old is employed as a warden at the Wellington Facility. 

Explaining the merits of the case, Eastern Cape NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the accused allegedly st@bbed his girlfriend more than 25 times all over her body and assaulted his girlfriend’s domestic worker.

“The girlfriend is currently in the intensive care unit (ICU) in the hospital and unable to talk,” Tyali stated. 

"The attack on the two women last weekend was allegedly witnessed by the couple’s nine-year-old son."

The NPA said the matter was adjourned to March 11, 2025 for a formal bail application. Tyali said the State plan to oppose the application.