#ICYMI: Sandile Mantsoe has been found guilty on 3 counts including murder and defeating the ends of justice [VIDEO]

Judge AJ Johnson found Sandile Mantsoe guilty of the murder of his ex-girlfriend Karabo Mokoena.

Johnson found Mantsoe guilty in the South Gauteng High Court on 2 May of three counts including murder, defeating the ends of justice as well as assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

According to the judge, the state proved its case that Mantsoe, who did not testify during the main trial, killed his then 22-year-old girlfriend.

Johnson said even though a post-mortem could not show the main cause of Karabo’s death, the court is satisfied it was from a stab wound. “In his statement, the accused has said the deceased committed suicide by stabbing herself with a knife,” said Johnson.

“If she did then commit suicide why did the accused dispose of her body and even set her alight? He did so to conceal evidence,” the judge said.

He added that considering the evidence presented by Bontle Mokoena and Steffy Leong, the deceased was not suicidal and she did not commit suicide.

According to Judge Johnson, Mantsoe was not even remorseful to family and friends who continuously asked him about Karabo’s whereabouts. He said that on several occasions he met with Leong and when she asked if he had seen or spoken to Karabo, he denied it and instead told them of secret hotels that Karabo frequented.

“When the family came to your apartment with the police you continued to lie about her whereabouts. You even lied about the deceased’s first attempted suicide which the security guard from your apartment (Sandton Skye) also disputed,” said Johnson. He highlighted how Mantsoe lied to the court by giving his lawyer conflicting information.

Sentencing will be tomorrow (3 May).

Phindi Mjonondwane, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority has welcomed the judgement and said they hope Mantsoe will be sentenced to life imprisonment.

Emotional parents Lolo and Mograin Mokoena shed tears while Judge Johnson read out his judgement.

Details: www.npa.gov.za

#SandileMantsoe has been found guilty on 3 counts including murder and defeating the ends of justice#RIPKaraboMokoena pic.twitter.com/mxfUDrZb30

— Thabo Jobo (@ThaboNokajobo) May 2, 2018

https://www.facebook.com/NETribune/videos/1953119201428251/

#SandileMantsoe will soon know his fate as Judge Johnson reads his Judge on the evidence presented by the state regarding the incidents that lead to the death of #KaraboMokoena pic.twitter.com/qqkzHKfJ16

— Thabo Jobo (@ThaboNokajobo) May 2, 2018

Cameras have been allowed to live broadcast the trial while the judge reads his judgement on #SandileMantsoe for the murder of #KaraboMokoena

— Thabo Jobo (@ThaboNokajobo) May 2, 2018

Read also: 

#RIPKaraboMokoena: Arresting officer testifies in Sandile Mantsoe’s murder trial

#RIPKaraboMokoena: Men show support to Mokoena family during murder trial

#RIPKarabo: Murder accused Sandile Mantsoe in court for trial – Karabo’s friend testifies

More details to follow.