The Colesburg Regional Court in the Northern Cape sentenced Zukisani Mpinda (38) after he was found guilty of stabbing and killing his life partner,Katrina Seekoei. 

Northern Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Regional Spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said that on the day of the commission of the crime the accused his partner and the eyewitness were at a tavern. 

"While still at the tavern the accused voiced his displeasure and that he was not satisfied with his partner?s behaviour and indicated to the witness that he would teach her a lesson that night. Later in the evening the three returned home and when they arrived at their place, they all went to sleep. The following morning, the accused woke up the witness who had slept in another room informing him that the deceased was dead. It is alleged that the accused stabbed the victim in the neck during the night while she was sleeping," said Senokoatsane. 

Senokoatsane said that the matter was reported to the police and the accused was arrested and charged with intimate femicide murder. 

"Mpinda pleaded not guilty to the charge, claiming that the victim had left their home during the night and returned later injured and died in their room. The matter was transferred to the regional courtfor trial. During the trial Regional Court Prosecutor Phakiso Thebane argued that the court should sentence the accused to the maximum sentence applicable for such a senseless murder by a man, who was supposed to have been the main protector.

 "The accused did not show any remorse as he did not tell the truth about what happened that night and what led to him killing his life partner. The prosecutor further argued that a clear message should be sent to the communities that the courts and justice system are indeed serious in fighting Gender-Based Violence and femicide-related matters by sentencing the accused appropriately. The accused was found guilty and was sentenced to 20 years of direct imprisonment by the court," said Senokoatsane