Rapper Pitch Black Afro, real name Thulani Ngcobo was released from prison on 18 August 2023, after serving three years for killing his fiancée, Catherine Modisane. The couple reportedly had an altercation on 31 December 2018 during which she allegedly slapped him and he retaliated by forcefully pushing her. Modisane hit her head against the wall and died of blunt force trauma to the head.

BACK IN STUDIO

After his release from prison, the Izandla Phezulu rapper has kept a low profile - away from the limelight. However, Pitch Black Afro is slowly starting to integrate himself back into society and returning to making music. He is currently in studio making music again with a friend, Molly Wood. A close friend who spoke to ZIMoja confirmed the rapper has started making music again. "He is intentionally trying to stay away from the public and being in the limelight because of conditions to his parole and him being out of jail. He is not proud of what happened, and he doesn't want to appear as though he is rubbing what happened in Catherine's family's face. But music has always been his passion.' The friend adds that his first song in the studio was about his partner. "He sings about wishing he could see her again and tell her how much he loves her. It is a tribute to his woman. It's still hip-hop and how people will receive the song, we will wait and see.'  

LOST FRIENDS

The friend says things have been tough for Pitch Black Asince his release. "No one wants to touch him because they say he is a wife killer. All of the labels that he worked with in the past don't want to work with him. This is fair because some say he was arrogant even before the incident. But everyone deserves a second chance. All his friends have abandoned him, and he is left with a few people who are trying to help, but it will take a lot to get rid of the brand of the wife killer.'

HIS EARLY RELEASE

Pitch Black Afro was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, of which five were suspended with effect from 19 June 2020 but served three years. While many believe his release was premature for the type of crime he committed, the Department of Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo that his release was due to him benefiting from the special remission of sentence. "Capable homicide is amongst the offenses covered by the special remission of sentences. There are no conditions to his release as his sentence has expired.' Nxumalo said. At the time of his sentencing, Pitch Black Afro already spent one year and five months in custody while awaiting trial.