Samantha Zungu’s killer sentenced to 24 years in prison
Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela is concerned about the rising number of femicide cases.
Duduza – Thamsanqa Somfaka, the man who murdered Samantha Zungu, was sentenced to 24 years’ direct imprisonment by the Pretoria High Court on Wednesday.
On August 13, Somfaka assaulted Zungu (27), who was eight months pregnant, with a stove poker. He demanded that she give him R500 from the social grant for their two children.
She was certified dead on arrival at Pholosong Hospital in Tsakani. Somfaka (34) pleaded not guilty and claimed his innocence throughout the trial.
While handing down the sentence, Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela said the accused didn’t show any sign of remorse and held a cocky outlook throughout the court appearances.
He added that femicide is on the rise regardless of the different campaigns that are held in the country to caution and educate.
“Recent statistics show that a woman is killed every eight hours in South Africa,” he said.
READ MORE: Samantha’s killer found guilty
During the incident, Somfaka told three witnesses – his neighbour, the deceased’s mother and nurses – that he found the deceased fighting with his cousin who found her sleeping with another man.
He further boasted to the nursing staff that Samantha should have known better than to make him angry because he turns into an ‘animal’.
During the investigation, he gave the investigating officer his address claiming that this is where he lived. The house was found unlocked and different rooms were covered with blood.
He was later arrested and denied bail. Somfaka’s first brush with the law started in 2008 when he was arrested for assault.
This was followed by cases of robbery, attempted murder, theft possession of illegal substances, assault and theft. During the attack, the accused was out on parole after serving a 15-year sentence.
He has previous convictions, which date from 2011, ranging from theft, robbery, attempted murder and possession of illegal substances.
READ MORE: Samantha Zungu’s killer described as an animal
Somfaka’s legal representative told the court that the accused’s behaviour was a result of his abusive upbringing after his parents died.
Maumela said this is not an excuse for killing Samantha as many people grew up under harsh conditions but they have turned their lives around.
The judge added that all these convictions didn’t send a strong message to the accused to change his ways.
The deceased’s best friend, Amanda Hleza said she is not happy with the sentence as this means in 12 years’ time he would be eligible for parole.
“The family are not happy that the defence has submitted to the court that they will be appealing to another court for a lenient sentence, demanding a 14-year sentence,” she said.
OneStrong Voice Foundation’s Brian Sithole said they welcome the sentencing as the accused might have received a lighter sentence of 15 years as he is charged under section 51 subsection 2 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997.
