In a chilling act of violence, Famuty Nola, a first-time offender, was sentenced earlier this month to 20 years in prison for the brutal murder of Susan Toi Ilona. The incident, which occurred in broad daylight in 2021, shocked the community and highlighted the need for strong deterrents against such heinous crimes. The court heard that Nola, fueled by suspicion and rage, followed Ilona after seeing her talking to another man. Intent on causing harm, he repeatedly stabbed her in the face and neck with a kitchen knife, ultimately causing her death. Famuty Nola was in a de-facto relationship with Susan Toi Ilona. They both lived as a couple at a house rented at 9 mile outside Port Moresby. He assaulted her over a domestic matter which prompted her family to take her in at Badili where she lived. Nola was asked to settle her bride price before she could come back to him. But on May 7th, 2021, he saw her with a male person whom he again saw with the deceased on June 17th, 2021 - on that day he followed her intending to ask her about that man. Instead, he took out a kitchen knife and stabbed her on her right cheek and the left cheek. She raised her hand to defend herself, but he also stabbed her there. She fell face down to the ground. He continued to stab her on her back, before taking out the knife and running with it towards 2-Mile hill. He threw the knife and went to Gerehu where he surrendered to Police there. He was detained and charged with the offence. He had intended to cause grievous bodily harm to her, and she died as a result. National Court judge, Justice Nicholas Miviri, emphasized the sanctity of life and the severity of the offence. Despite Nola's plea and expressions of remorse, the court determined that a non-custodial sentence would be disproportionate to the gravity of the crime. Justice Miviri described Nola's actions as a deliberate and determined attack, devoid of any justification. The autopsy report revealed the extent of the violence, with multiple stab wounds to Ilona's body, including a severed carotid artery. While Nola's remorse and personal circumstances were considered, they were not enough to outweigh the severity of his crime. The court emphasized the need to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice for the victim. The judge said the sentence serves as a reminder that senseless acts of violence will not be tolerated in society. He stressed that with the right to life enshrined in the constitution, perpetrators must face the consequences of their actions, regardless of their remorse or personal circumstances. Justice Miviri further said as the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic incident, the sentence stands as a testament to the commitment to protect the sanctity of life and uphold the rule of law.