Boyfriend sentenced to 20 years for killing partner
Boyfriend sentenced to 20 years for killing partner
The Colesburg Regional Court has convicted and sentenced Zukisani Mpinda (38) after he was found guilty of killing his life partner Katrina Seekoei by stabbing her with a knife. On the day of the commission of this crime, Mpinda, his partner and the eyewitness were at a tavern. While still at the tavern Mpinda voiced his displeasure that he was not satisfied with his partner's behaviour and indicated to the witness that he would show her “tonight”. Later in the evening, the three returned home and all went to sleep. The following morning, Mpinda woke up the witness who had slept in another room informing him that his partner was dead. It is alleged that he stabbed her in the neck during the night while she was sleeping.
The matter was reported to the police and Mpinda was arrested and charged with intimate femicide murder. He pleaded not guilty to the charge, claiming that she had left their home during the night and returned later injured and died in their room.
The matter was transferred to the regional court, for trial. During the trial, the Regional Court Prosecutor, Phakiso Thebane argued that the court should sentence him to the maximum sentence applicable for such a senseless murder committed by a man who was supposed to have been the main protector of the partner. Mpinda 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 Femicides-related matters by sentencing the accused appropriately. He was found guilty and sentenced to 20 years of direct imprisonment.
The National Prosecuting Authority remains to play a pivotal role in ensuring that all perpetrators of Gender-based Violence and Femicides are sentenced appropriately without fear, favour, or prejudice. The NPA will continue to lead in the fight against the scourge of GBVF-related matters within the courts and through community awareness campaigns not only during 16 Days of Activism but throughout 365 Days of the year.
Issued by,
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539