The appellant, Ms Dawida Solomons, was convicted of the murder of her intimate partner of 15 years, Mr Barnwell Sebenja. On 13 February 2016, following alcohol consumption, an argument ensued between the parties at the appellant’s home after the deceased demanded money and threatened to leave her for another woman. A witness observed the appellant stab the deceased once in the chest, causing a fatal heart injury. The appellant alleged a history of domestic violence and claimed self-defence, but no physical injuries supporting self-defence were present on the day of the incident. She had previously obtained a domestic violence protection order based on emotional abuse. The regional court imposed an eight-year sentence, finding substantial and compelling circumstances. On appeal, the High Court confirmed the conviction but substituted the sentence with eight years’ imprisonment, three years conditionally suspended. The appellant appealed further to the Supreme Court of Appeal against the custodial sentence.