South Africa’s Hip Hop sensation and award-winning artist Pitch Black Afro, real name Thulani Ngcobo, is about to learn his fate at the South Gauteng High Court where he is appearing for murdering his wife, Catherine Modisane, on New Year’s Eve in 2018.
Pitch Black Afro appeared in court for his wife’s murder and the prosecutor argued that the musician intended to kill Modisane as evidence of assault was being presented.
Ngcobo is standing trial for the alleged murder of Modisane which took place two years ago at a bed and breakfast in Johannesburg.
He is facing a count of murder and another of defeating the ends of justice.
Prosecutor Matshiliso Moleko said the State is relying on circumstantial evidence that Ngcobo assaulted Modisane because they were together in the room at the time.
“The deceased was found dead on 31 December 2018 and the cause of death was blunt trauma, which could have been caused by the accused hit 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.
The couple had been partying with friends on the night of Catherine’s death and had left earlier to prepare for a trip. According to a witness “, they were highly intoxicated”. The prosecution, however, dismissed the intoxication claims and pushed for the courts to charge him with premeditated murder.
“The fact that there was intoxication doesn’t play a big role. He is an intelligent person and should have foreseen his actions. He should be found guilty of murder in the form of dolus eventualis,” said Moleko.
In South African law, under the principle of dolus eventualis, a person can be convicted of murder if they foresaw the possibility of their actions resulting in the death of someone but continued regardless.
Acting Judge J. Du Plesis said he will accept that Ngocbo and Modisane were intoxicated.
The ruling is expected on 19 March.
