THE Mbombela High Court sentenced cop killer, Zanele Mkhonto to 20 years direct imprisonment on Thursday, 04 April.
Mkhonto was sentenced for killing her cop boyfriend, Sergeant Mandlenkosi Happy Thwala in August 2022.
The deceased was shot dead with his service pistol in August 2022 while sleeping.
Mkhonto told the court during her plea that she intentionally killed Thwala after an aggressive sexual intercourse.
A psychosocial assessment report submitted in court states that Mkhonto'a actions were triggered by her previous rape incidences. The report stated that she was allegedly raped twice as youngster.
State Advocate Zwelethu Mata rejected the report and said her background has nothing to do with the crime she committed.
He said the accused had the opportunity to leave the deceased's homestead while he was asleep.
Imposing the sentence, Judge Sheila indicated that the killing of a police officer is a loss to the state and society at large.
"As indicated by the state, those who benefit from the domestic violence act are not women only but men also. This would have been done despite the fact that the deceased was a police officer. His killing was a loss to his family as indicated by the Victim Impact Statement from his siblings," she said.
Thwala's aunt, Hlalaphi Nkosi welcomed the sentence. She said they are happy their son's killer will be away for a long time.
"It's better to be behind bars than roam the streets. She's been telling the court lies and has never apologised for her actions," Hlalaphi said.
National Prosecuting Authority spokeswoman, Monica Nyuswa has urged members of the public to seek help when faced with domestic violence challenges and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
