The artist known as Pitch Black Afro has been released from prison after serving three of his 10 years for killing his fiancée Catherine Modisane.
Department of Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo told The Citizen, “The department can confirm that [he] was released as his sentence expired on 18 August 2023. He benefited from the special remission of sentence.” It was also confirmed that the Soweto-born rapper (real name Thulani Ngcobo) was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of culpable homicide, of which five were suspended, with effect from 19 June 2020.
Pitch Black Afro was initially charged with premeditated murder and defeating the ends of justice by Judge J Du Plessis, reports the above-mentioned publication.
According to The South African, Catherine’s body was found at a Bed and Breakfast in Johannesburg on 31 December 2018 after enduring blunt force trauma to the head.
In 2020, while delivering his judgment, Judge Du Plessis found the rapper to be unremorseful for his negligence and unintentional killing of his late fiancée. “The accused still denies the specific details of what happened on that day despite his apologising to the deceased’s family. So, in this case, that doesn’t help him because I don’t see remorse on his side.”
Additionally, the judge took into consideration that the Neva Let U Go artist still had a good relationship with Catherine’s family, as he had contributed money towards her funeral.
The Citizen further states that Pitch Black Afro spent less than three years in prison, already spending one year and five months in custody while awaiting trial.
“He benefited from the special remission of sentence,” says Singabakho. “There are no conditions as his sentence has expired.”
