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Johannesburg - Judge Solly Sithole on Thursday afternoon sentenced convicted murderer, Sindi Manqele to 12 years in prison.
This sentence is less than the 15 year minimum sentence for the crime. However, in handing down his judgement, Sithole outlined his reasons for a lesser sentence.
Sentencing procedures have been going on for the past two days in the High Court in Palm Ridge, Johannesburg.
Manqele was last year found guilty of the murder of well-known rapper, Nkululeko 'Flabba' Habedi.
Flabba was stabbed on 9 March 2015 after a reported altercation between himself and his then girlfriend, Manqele.
Manqele insisted that she acted in self-defence, claiming in her testimony that she feared for her life.
"The offence that you have been convicted of, is one of the most serious," said Judge Sithole. In handing down his sentence, Sithole said that the court would show mercy. "It's necessary to show mercy. We are not dealing with animals. We are dealing with fellow human beings."
"I have found that in this case there are compelling and exceptional circumstances. The first reason is that the demise of Nkululeko Habedi occurred because of a heavy confrontation. Both of you are victims because of this circumstance."
Friends and family members of Flabba were in court today, showing their support for their late friend. Those close to him asked for the harshest sentence to be applied, saying justice has to be served.
Manqele's legal team have immediately said they would be appealing the sentence.
UPDATE:
Judge Solly Sithole has granted Manqele bail pending her leave to appeal both her conviction and sentence. She has been granted R25 000. Manqele has to report to the Midrand police station twice a week and a tracking bracelet will be giving to Manqele.
