It’s bad enough to bury a daughter, but to bury the burnt body of a daughter is terribly painful, said Karabo Mokoena’s father adding that they did not even see her when they buried her.
Thabang Mokoena, Karabo’s father, addressed the media shortly after Sandile Mantsoe, the man convicted of murdering Karabo, was sentenced to an effective 32 years in prison at the South Gauteng High Court on 3 May.
Thabang said they didn’t even see Karabo for the last time because her body was burnt beyond recognition.
Read: Twitter reacts to Sandile Mantsoe’s 32 year sentence
It is apparent that Mantsoe killed Karabo as he did testify in court to disposing of her body before setting her alight in a shallow grave in Lyndhurst last year.
“We didn’t even see her,” said Thabang, addressing the media in court, reacting to the sentence.
“To bury a daughter – one daughter, I understand but to bury a burnt daughter is painful.”
Asked if he will be able to accept Mantsoe’s late apology, he said it is still early as his daughter’s killer officially starts his long sentence.
“Remember it’s still early – it’s the first day that this man is going to be doing 32 years, an apology is not the right word for now,” he said.
Read: #RIPKaraboMokoena: Arresting officer testifies in Sandile Mantsoe’s murder trial
Mantsoe, who has three children, one being a daughter, Mokoena asked how he would feel if his daughter was being abused.
In sentencing Mantsoe, Judge Peet Johnson also expressed the same sentiments saying he showed no remorse for his hideous action.
“You even attacked the deceased’s father with the statement you made saying he abused her, something that her other daughter (Bontle) refuted in court; you’re not remorseful,” said Johnson.
“You thought your riches would get you everywhere but they got you nowhere…the court will remind you that a person’s life does not come cheap.”
Read: Karabo Mokoena’s father addresses the media after Sandile Mantsoe’s sentencing
Johnson said Mantsoe’s sentence should also serve as a lesson to others in the society.
Mantsoe’s defence lawyer, Advocate Victor Simelane disputed the 32-year jail sentence saying the court was too harsh.
“The court was not fair to my client; in such cases, a court can impose a sentence of 15 years,” he said.
Details: www.npa.gov.za
