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- Thulani Ngcobo, popularly known as Pitch Black Afro, has been released from prison.
- He served three years for the death of his partner after being found guilty of culpable homicide.
- Correctional services said he had benefited from the special remission of sentence.
Thulani Ngcobo, popularly known as Pitch Black Afro, has been released from prison after serving three years for the death of his partner.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirmed Ngcobo was released as he had benefited from the special remission of sentence.
Ngcobo was sentenced to 10 years in June 2020 for culpable homicide after killing his long-term partner, Catherine Modisane, during an altercation.
He was found not guilty of defeating the ends of justice and premeditated murder.
Acting Judge J Du Plessis, of the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg, suspended half of his sentence on condition that he was not found guilty of a similar offence.
DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said Ngcobo's sentence had expired, and there were no special conditions to his release.
"Culpable homicide is among the offences covered by the special remission of sentences. There are no conditions to his release as his sentence has expired," said Nxumalo.
News24 previously reported that Modisane died of blunt force trauma to the head. She was found dead on 31 December 2018 at a bed and breakfast in Johannesburg.
At the time, prosecutor Matshiliso Moleko said the State was relying on circumstantial evidence that Ngcobo assaulted Modisane because they were together in the room at the time.
"[Modisane] was found dead on 31 December 2018 and the cause of death was blunt trauma, which could have been caused by the accused hitting his wife's head against the wall.
"It was confirmed by the accused that he pushed her, and she hit her head against the wall. His confession was provisionally admitted, and it should now be admitted as evidence," said Moleko.
"I will rule out the element of negligence. The accused, in the manner he assaulted Modisane, could have seen that the injuries were severe. Although he could not have had the intention to kill, he had the intention of dolus eventualis."
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said at the time that it welcomed and respected the verdict, adding it would not appeal the conviction or sentence.
