A KwaNobuhle father who murdered the mother of his two minor children was sentenced to 20 years in prison in the Gqeberha High Court on Friday.
Zamuxolo Jacobs, 34, stabbed Zikhona Pompi in the neck during a drunken brawl at their home in September 2022.
On the day of the murder, Jacobs and Pompi smoked drugs and consumed alcohol.
The court found that Jacobs' actions happened "in the heat of the moment" while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and "fuelled by jealousy."
In handing down the sentence, Judge Nyameko Gqamana emphasised the fact that violence against women and children was on the rise in South Africa and that the community expects the court to protect them against such crimes.
The fact that the perpetrator was the deceased's partner, who had a duty to protect her, made matters even worse, according to the Judge.
"This case has highlighted the vulnerability of women in society who are unable to defend themselves against a violent partner.
"Hardly a day passes by that the media does not report on a woman being beaten, raped, or killed in this country."
Gqamana also said once the interest of society, the nature of the offense, and the accused personal circumstances are taken into account, a balance must be struck to ensure that one does not outweigh the other.
When considering the evidence before the court however, Gqamana found that substantial and compelling circumstances existed, which caused him to deviate from the minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
The 14 months Jacobs spent in prison awaiting trial and a guilty plea from the onset were some of the reasons given.
"During sentencing, there should also be a level of mercy."
The court also determined that Jacobs deserved a second chance to rehabilitate himself and refrain from using drugs.
Pompi's family, especially her father, is still battling to come to terms with her death.
Gqamana said although the sentence will not bring back the deceased, he hopes that it will give the family some closure.
