STERKSTROOM — The Sterkstroom Regional Court has sentenced 44-year-old Patric Zolani to 10 years of direct imprisonment after convicting him of the attempted murder of his 34-year-old ex-girlfriend.
The severe penalty follows a violent attack that took place on 23 March 2025 in the vicinity of Phumla Mqeshi Location. During the incident, Zolani stabbed the victim, prompting a swift response from the local South African Police Service (SAPS) who took him into custody. Beyond the prison term, the court also officially declared the accused unfit to own or possess any firearm.
Following his initial arrest, the accused attempted to secure his release through multiple bail applications. However, Detective Sergeant Andile Mangwana, the lead Investigating Officer on the case, successfully opposed these requests on 31 March 2025. Consequently, Zolani remained behind bars in police custody for the entirety of the legal proceedings, right up until his final sentencing on 12 June 2026.
