The Pretoria regional magistrate’s court on Friday sentenced Khutso Manamela (28), from Atteridgeville, to one life imprisonment term for the murder of his ex-girlfriend’s boyfriend, Vafentse Nyeufane.

Manamela was convicted by magistrate Nozipho Gcawu for premeditated murder on March 17.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, Manamela attacked Nyeufane and left him with critical wounds that he later succumbed to in hospital.

On the day of the attack, NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the deceased, Nyeufane, had gone to assist his elderly neighbour to run errands for her on June 10, 2018.

She said Manamela hid a wooden bat by the neighbour’s yard, followed Nyeufane and ss he returned from his errands, Manamela took the bet and assaulted him.

“The neighbour saw what happened and called for help.

“Nyeufane was taken to the nearest hospital where he passed on due to injuries sustained,” Mahanjana said.

“Manamela was arrested on 13 June 2018 in Atteridgeville after a community member spotted him on the street.

“He has been in custody since his arrest after the NPA successfully opposed his bail application.”

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She said in court that Manamela pleaded not guilty to the murder of Nyeufane.

“Nyeufane’s older brother told the court that Manamela had repeatedly assaulted the deceased for seven months and they tried to resolve the issue. Manamela promised to make peace, but in the end, he killed Nyeufane.”

Prosecutor Dru Ramsamy told the court Manamela had three previous convictions related to violent crimes he committed when he was younger. He was given a suspended sentence then due to his age.

“Manamela showed no remorse for his action. When he was being assessed by the probation officers, he showed blatant ignorance and still denied his offence, while there was overwhelming evidence against him,” Ramsamy was quoted having said.

“Therefore, a life sentence is the only suitable sentence.”

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During the sentencing, Gcawu agreed with the NPA that Manamela showed no remorse for his offence and his history of violence.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Sibongile Mzinyathi, thanked the outstanding work done by the investigating officer, Sergeant Tomas Mafana, of the Atteridgeville police station, that led to the conviction and sentencing of the accused.

He said he hoped this sentence would send a message that violent crimes would not be tolerated, but would be prosecuted.