Nkosiyazi Zibambele, a 43-year-old man who ruthlessly murdered his girlfriend in 2021, has been sentenced to 25 years behind bars.
Zimbambele appeared in the Tlhabane regional court in North West where he was sentenced for the murder on Thursday.
According to police, Zibambele was in a romantic relationship with Ncebakazi Mdingi when he stabbed her to death in Sondela informal settlement outside Rustenburg.
Lieutenant-General Sello Kwena, provincial police commissioner in North West, said a fight had broken out in October 2021 when Zibambele and Mdingi were at a shebeen.
It is alleged that the deceased had asked for a beer from another man which agitated the convict, who then drew out a knife and stabbed her several times.
“The girlfriend was rushed to hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Police were informed and Zibambele was traced and arrested. He was charged with murder,” said Kwena.
Zibambele was later released on bail, however, he absconded but was re-arrested. He remained in custody until his trial and sentencing. Handing down the sentence, the court also declared that Zibambele is unfit to possess a firearm.
Kwena said the 25-year prison sentence is fair and welcomed.
In 2020, the government vowed to intensify its fight against gender-based violence and femicide, which President Cyril Ramaphosa described as the country’s second pandemic.
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