Johannesburg – The sentencing of Sindi Manqele, the woman found guilty of murdering her hip hop artist boyfriend Nkululeko “Flabba” Habedi was on Wednesday adjourned for a day by the High Court sitting at Palm Ridge Magistrate’s court in Johannesburg.
Judge Solly Sithole, who had been scheduled to begin sentencing on Wednesday, said he needed to first meet with the defence lawyers for the accused and the prosecutor to discuss final mitigation matters, such as “criminal intent” before he hands down sentence.
Read: Prison not best place for Flabba’s killer: expert
Sithole said he would resume sentencing on Thursday – exactly a year after the death of the rapper of Skwatta Kamp fame. He allowed Manqele to remain on bail for another day.
On December 9 last year, Manqele, who admitted to stabbing her lover but claimed she was acting in self defence during a fight, was found guilty of murder.
Judge Sithole found that Manqele, 26, had “intentionally and unlawfully” killed Habedi.
Habedi‚ 37‚ died of a stab wound to the chest at his home in Alexandra‚ Johannesburg‚ in the early hours of the morning on March 9.
Earlier on Wednesday the state called witnesses to present sentencing reports on Manqele.
Criminologist, Zain Mali said the court should consider that Manqele did not possess “characteristics” of a criminal when handing down the final judgement.
“Incarceration should be a last resort. Manqele needs rehabilitation instead,” suggested Mali.
However, Prosecutor Paul Schutte argued that Manqele’s sentence must reflect the fact that she had not shown any of remorse.
In response, Judge Sithole rebuked Schutte saying the court would decide if Manqele had been remorseful or not about killing Habedi.
Correctional Services official Medhurst Mapitsi said: “Manqele is a candidate for house arrest under the supervision of Correctional Services and social workers based on the assessment that she is a first time offender and showed she was remorseful”.
Mali concurred with Maoitisi’s view and added that Manqele she was a victim of abuse in her previous relationships.
“House arrest with therapy,help from her remaining family and community service is suitable for Manqele,” said Mali.
Sentencing resumes Thursday.
African News Agency
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