[IN-PICTURES]: The murder trial of Ntiyiso Xilumani resumes this morning at the Limpopo High Court in Polokwane. #DrNkhwashu TT

Xilumani takes to the witness stand. #DrNkhwashu TT

Xilumani wants the court to impose a sentence of 15 years, claiming that he is remorseful and that he is a first time offender. #DrNkhwashu TT

He further requests the court to reduce his sentence by 3 years. #DrNkhwashu TT

Xilumani says during his detention he had asked his aunt to apologise to the Nkhwashu family on his behalf. #DrNkhwashu TT

State advocate Eric Mabapa cross-examining Xilumani on why did he send death threats to Shongile's father. #DrNkhwashu TT

Xilumani says the threats were meaningless. #DrNkhwashu TT

Xilumani has admitted that he texted Shongile's mother saying that her daughter will not receive a cent from her salary, but it meant that he would withhold Shongile's bank cards, arguing that this was not a death threat. #DrNkhwashu TT

Xilumani claims that he initiated a break-up with Shongile but the break-up didn't materialize because Shongile told him that she was not coping without him. #DrNkhwashu TT

Judge president Ephraim Makgoba asked Xilumani whether he would send his naked pictures to his mother. Xilumani replies no. #DrNkhwashu TT

Court takes short adjournment. #DrNkhwashu TT

Xilumani's legal aid representative argues that the murder was not premeditated. #DrNkhwashu TT

Judge president Ephraim Makgoba is now handing down judgment. Makgoba says Xilumani has been found guilty of murder. #DrNkhwashu TT

Makgoba says the sentence will serve as deterrence and protection. #DrNkhwashu TT

Judge Makgoba says the court will impose a befitting sentence that will not make it necessary for the Nkhwashu family to avenge their daughters murder. #DrNkhwashu TT

"The court will show no mercy, in the interest of protecting women and children." Judge Makgoba

"As the momentum of violence in society continues unabated, the court will assist the community in finding justice."-Judge Makgoba

Judge Makgoba says the youthfulness of Xilumani cannot be regarded as a mitigating factor against a maximum sentence, because young men are troublesome in the society. #DrNkhwashu TT

Judge Makgoba says the accused cannot preempt his own sentence. #DrNkhwashu TT

Judge Makgoba says retribution is amongst the factors that will determine a sentence against Xilumani. #DrNkhwashu TT

BREAKING NEWS: Ntiyiso Xilumani has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his girlfriend Dr Shongile Nkhwashu. #DrNkhwashu TT