Breaking: Mantsoe sentenced to 32 years in prison for Karabo Mokoena’s murder

Convicted murderer, Sandile Mantsoe has been handed a 32-year prison sentence for the murder of girlfriend, Karabo Mokoena.

Sentencing was handed down at the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg on Thursday, a day after he was found guilty on counts of murder, defeating the ends of justice and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

Acting Judge Peet Johnson was especially scathing, labeling Mantsoe as a threat to society and deceptive in the manner he tried to absolve himself of any wrongdoing.

“You deserve nothing less than a harsh punishment,” Johnson said.

“For you it cannot be Business as usual anymore. The court must remind you that a person’s life is not cheap.”

Mokoena’s charred remains were discovered in Lyndhurst, Johannesburg in April last year, after she had been missing for weeks.

Mantsoe denied killing the 22-year old, claiming that she had committed suicide and he only disposed of her body to avoid being suspected of murder.

In a statement read out in court during the trial, he alleged that Mokoena was a violent person who used to beat him up and suffered from depression which caused her to cut herself.

The married father of three had reportedly been in a relationship with Mokoena since October 2016, and it is believed that he and his wife are estranged.

Prior to sentencing, Mantsoe’s defence attorney, Victor Simelane had pleaded with the court to be “merciful”, saying his client still had a contribution to offer society.

“In cases like this the courts have always applied a sentence that is rehabilitative,” he said.

Johnson had other ideas though, as he said that he does not see how a rehabilitative sentence would work, as Mantsoe was still in denial.

Also read: Karabo Mokoena – What murder accused Sandile Mantsoe told police is pretty grim