South Africa: Remorseful Killer Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison For Murder Of Friend

Siphesihle Khelembe, a 28-year-old man who pleaded guilty to murdering his friend, Philani Mankangeni, in Pietermaritzburg last month, was on Friday sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.

The two men were drinking beer with Mankangeni's girlfriend on the day of the incident at Mankangeni's home on East Street. Later, they visited a pub to purchase more alcohol.

“At this time Khelembe noticed that his cellphone was missing and accused Mankangeni’s girlfriend of taking it.

"The men argued about this on their way to the tavern," National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said.  

Following a fight between the friends, Mankangeni tore Khelembe's T-shirt and Khelembe went to his sister's house nearby to get a knife.

Mankangeni was stabbed in the neck and chest by Khelembe, who then fled the scene.

A few days later, Khelembe turned himself in to the police.

The court determined Khelembe was remorseful for his actions and qualified for rehabilitation when it handed down his sentence.