Convicted killer, Thandi Maqubela was expected back in the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday where she was to appeal her sentence and conviction.

The widow was found guilty of the murder of her husband, acting Judge Patrick Maqubela.

During her sentencing in March, Murphy said Maqubela had lacked empathy and had shown no remorse for her actions.

He sentenced her to 15 years for the murder.

Maqubela was also found guilty of forging her husband’s will and committing fraud by causing potential prejudice in his estate. She was sentenced to three years for forgery and an additional three years for fraud. The sentences for forgery and fraud would run concurrently, meaning Maqubela would effectively serve 18 years behind bars.

Her husband Patrick Maqubela, who she said had been a serial cheater, was found dead on his bed in his Sea Point flat on June 5 2009 apparently a day after saying he wanted a divorce.

He appeared to have been suffocated with cling-wrap. News24