WATCH: Donald Sebolai sentenced to 20 years

The High court sitting in Palm Ridge handed down the sentence in front of a packed courtroom. 

Earlier Sebolai was found guilty of killing his girlfriend, Dolly Tshabalala in 2014. 

Tshabalala was left bleeding to death in Sebolai's Soweto flat after being stabbed. 

Judge Cassim Moosa took the greater part of the morning to go through elements of the judgement. 

A state witness, and expert in the study of women abuse, earlier testified that within relationships - partner violence is one of the biggest causes of deaths in South Africa. She added that figures for female homicide are six times higher than the global average. 

Judge Moosa added to this saying that research has shown violence between partners is considered by South African men as a necessary measure of control. Referring to the Sebolai case he said "Sebolai admitted in court to slapping Dolly 'to keep her on track'. 

Judge Moosa said he has taken Sebolia's personal circumstances into account - and also considered the impact the death has had on Dolly Tshabalala's family. 

The Judge said the state had proven that Sebolai had a high propensity for violence and fit the profile of an abuser. Moosa said after studying the evidence, he found no reason to deviate from a sentence below 15 years. He added ""Sebolai watched the life ooze out of Dolly. He killed her in cold blood and callously intended for Dolly to die. Looking at the way she was killed, Sebolai intended for Dolly to die - nothing more nothing less. "

Judge Moosa added that domestic violence has become a scourge in the country and shouldn't be taken lightly. Donald Sebolai has indicated that he will appeal his sentence.

Edited by Faith Daniels