Lindokuhle Cele's killer sentenced
Updated | By Nothando Mkhize
The 32-year-old man who killed Durban musician Lindokuhle Cele has been handed a 25-year sentence following his appearance at the Durban High Court on Tuesday.
![Mvuyisi Noguda](https://turntable.kagiso.io/images/WhatsApp_Image_2021-03-29_at_15.34.41.width-800.jpg)
Cele, who was an LGBTQI+ activist, was stabbed in February last year, in an apparent hate crime.
Mvuyisi Noguda pleaded guilty, claiming he stabbed Cele out of anger.
He told the court he believed the 23-year-old aspiring musician had drugged and raped him at a friend's house at a New Year's Day gathering a month earlier.
But the court rejected his guilty plea.
READ: Lindokuhle Cele's family wants harsh sentence for convicted killer
As she handed down her sentence today, Judge Narini Hiralall said the defence couldn't prove the alleged rape, which wasn't reported to the police.
She also said Noguda's testimony was full of holes.
The court had heard how 18 of the 21 stab wounds Cele suffered resulted in his death.
But the judge said the State failed to prove the murder was premeditated.
![New Newswatch podcast banner yellow](https://turntable.kagiso.io/images/9.original.png)
Show's Stories
-
British teen shows off too soon at European Champs
Herein lies a classic life lesson: Don't take anything for granted...
Stacey & J Sbu 12 hours ago -
The truth behind the viral 'bed rotting' trend
What it means to be a bed rotter...
Stacey & J Sbu 14 hours ago