The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court yesterday (Friday) sentenced convicted ex-cop Mugiyo Ulrich Mabunda to life imprisonment for the premeditated murder of his wife Tebogo.

Mugiyo shot and killed his wife outside their house in Stonehenge in May 2020. He turned the gun on himself and shot himself four times.

He was convicted in June 2022, and his most recent appearance in the high court was on December 5.

Judge Cassim Moosa said the court wanted to pass judgment, however, they had to postpone it to yesterday as they wanted both the defence and state to be present.

Tebogo’s sister, Kgopotso Matuwe said the family is very happy with the outcome of the sentencing.

“We welcome the judgment and sentence passed down. We can now start the healing process. She is definitely not coming back, but we feel justice has prevailed.”

The Mpumalanga spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Monica Nyuswa, said his application for leave to appeal was refused by the court.