LISTEN: 32 years too harsh, says Sandile Mantsoe's lawyer
The lawyer representing convicted murderer, Sandile Mantsoe, says the sentence of an effective 32 years imposed on his client by the High Court in Johannesburg is too harsh.
Advocate Victor Simelane spoke to the media shortly after Judge Peet Johnson sentenced his client, describing him as a devil in disguise.
"As far as the ruling is concerned, I think the sentence itself was harsh, we expected at least 15 years, which is the prescribed minimum. I think the judge here went overboard and there was absolutely no reason for him to do that," said Simelane.
"You would expect sentences of this nature for people who go out there with firearms, robbing banks and maiming people. Not a matter that flowed from a love affair, because that's what happened."
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He says he has consulted with Mantsoe and they will be applying for leave to appeal both the conviction and sentence.
Simelane says in the meantime his client will spend his time studying in prison.