“In court, the state presented the evidence, including the testimony of an eyewitness. The state furthermore handed in Victim Impact Statements, compiled by the deceased’s family and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer, Princess Ntombi Khumalo.

“Their statements described the deceased as somebody who was dynamic and who served both the community and her family. They further described how they have been adversely affected by the incident and that they now live in fear.

“Notwithstanding the fact that the accused was convicted of murder in terms of Section 51 (2) of the Minimum Sentences Act 105 of 1997, in other words, murder committed in circumstances where it is not premeditated and therefore attracts a minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, the court nevertheless sentenced the accused to 25 years imprisonment – 10 years more than the minimum prescribed sentence.

“The court was of the view that the aggravating circumstances, including the fact that the accused was a serving Police official and that the matter fell within the ambit of Gender-Based Violence and intimate partner femicide, warranted a robust sentence.

“In addition to the term of imprisonment, the accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm. This matter was successfully prosecuted by Advocate Melumzi Gula and Advocate Lauren Marais-Myeni.