Mantsoe: I tried to build up Karabo Mokoena

Mantsoe was speaking to journalists shortly after the South Gauteng High Court found him guilty of her murder.

Mantsoe still believes he is innocent.

"I didn't kill her... they knew the nature of our relationship, they knew I was a positive influence in her life," said Mantsoe. 

Listen below:

In his judgement, Judge Piet Johnson said the fact that Mantsoe did not take the stand left him with no other evidence other than what the state submitted.

Johnson said the state proved beyond any reasonable doubt that Mantsoe did in fact kill Mokeona.

He dismissed Mantsoe's submission that Mokoena had committed suicide.

He was also found guilty of assault with intent to cause bodily grievous harm for an incident, which landed Mokeona in hospital shortly before her death and defeating the ends of justice for burning her body and trying to hide the fact that she had died.

The case was postponed to Thursday for sentencing.