Man given three life sentences for brutal attack on toddler in Lion Park

Johannesburg High Court hands down maximum sentences after prolonged legal process

A 31-year-old man, identified in court as Mlungisi Dlodlo, was sentenced to three life terms last week in the Johannesburg High Court for the brutal rape and attempted murder of a three-year-old child in Lion Park near Lanseria.

What the court ordered

The court delivered a series of heavy penalties: two life terms for two counts of rape, a third life term for attempted murder, and an additional six-month sentence for contravening the Immigration Act. The sentence was handed down by Judge Johnson.

The attack and the victim

The attack occurred on 7 September 2025. Searchers later found the toddlerreferred to by the pseudonym “Bloom” by Action Society to protect her identityin a critical condition, on top of a roof. She had suffered severe injuries, including a serious neck wound.

The legal journey to conviction

The case began in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court and, after more than a year, was transferred to the Johannesburg High Court. The matter experienced multiple postponements while authorities waited for further investigations, DNA test results and the completion of pre-trial procedures.

During the proceedings the accused pleaded guilty to breaking immigration laws but initially pleaded not guilty to the rape and attempted murder charges before ultimately being convicted on those counts.

Reaction from civil society

Civil rights organisation Action Society publicly welcomed the court’s judgment and commended the investigative work that led to the conviction. The organisation’s national spokesperson, Juanita du Preez, issued a statement that underlined the severity of the attack and praised the state’s case preparation.

“A three-year-old child was subjected to unimaginable brutality. We welcome these three life sentences and commend the investigating officer and the state prosecutor, Ms Barnard, for their work in securing this outcome.

Their work has helped ensure that the man responsible is held accountable,” said Juanita du Preez, Action Society’s national spokesperson.

Survivor’s needs and long-term implications

Action Society emphasised that the sentencing, while legally significant, does not erase the harm done to the young survivor. In its public comments the organisation highlighted ongoing needs for care and protection as the child grows.

“Bloom survived, but a sentence cannot undo what was done to her. She and those caring for her must live with the consequences of this attack long after the court proceedings have ended. She deserves continued care, protection and support as she grows up,” says Du Preez.

“Every child whose life is shattered by violence deserves the same determination from investigators and prosecutors to bring their attacker to justice.”

Why this case matters locally

Beyond the particulars of one prosecution, this case highlights several broader issues relevant to communities and justice systems: the challenge of ensuring timely investigatory work, the role of forensic testing in securing convictions, and the long-term support survivors need after violent crimes.

Serious criminal matters are frequently moved from lower to higher courts when the charges carry the potential for the most severe penalties; such transfers can lengthen the legal timeline as additional procedural and evidentiary steps take place.

What comes next

The sentencing concludes the court’s penalty phase for the convicted individual. For the survivor and those caring for her, Action Society’s public comment stresses that recovery and protection will extend far beyond the criminal justice outcome. Continued medical, psychological and social supportwhile not detailed in court records available publiclyare commonly essential elements of a child’s long-term recovery after severe violence.

Key facts at a glance

• Perpetrator: Mlungisi Dlodlo, 31, Zimbabwean national
• Convictions: Two counts of rape; one count of attempted murder
• Sentence: Three life terms plus six months for immigration contravention
• Location of attack: Lion Park, near Lanseria
• Date of attack: 7 September 2025
• Victim: Three-year-old girl, referred to as “Bloom” by Action Society

This report is based solely on details released by court proceedings and public statements from involved organisations.