Nightclub killer jailed for 23 years

Justice Mutevedzi also rejected any suggestion that the killing had been a spontaneous act, finding that Mtombeni had acted with premeditation.

"The offender planned to commit the offence and executed it carefully. After committing the crime he ran away and was later caught," he said.

Prosecutor Tarisai Mutarisi outlined how the seemingly minor disagreement over a snooker ball had culminated in the fatal shooting.

The court found that Mtombeni's actions were wholly disproportionate to the circumstances, particularly because the victim posed no threat that justified the use of lethal force.

The 23-year prison sentence brings the criminal proceedings to a close, nearly three years after the Christmas Day shooting that claimed Mafu's life.