The tragic murder of a mother-of-two has prompted the government to say it is doing “everything possible” to make sure criminals are removed from the country.
Obert Moyo, who has a long history of violence against women, stabbed his ex-partner Perseverance Ncube to death with a skewer in front of her young children last November.
During a sentencing hearing last Tuesday, it emerged that Moyo had been living in the country illegally and was already wearing an electronic tag when he murdered 35-year-old Ms Ncube.
Speaking from the court steps after the hearing, Detective Sergeant Fiona Manning said: “Moyo sentence today will not bring Percy back to the family that loved and adored her so much.
“Percy’s family deserves answers as to why this man, as dangerous as Moyo, was allowed to remain in this country illegally for over 20 years.
“Had Moyo been deported, Percy’s children would still have a mother.”
Moyo, 46, had stalked Ms Ncube obsessively in the weeks and months leading up to her murder after being unable to accept their relationship was over.
He had moved to Bolton from Brighton after his release from prison on licence for a vicious assault on a previous partner.
Moyo was still serving this licence and electronically tagged when he broke into Ms Ncube’s house on Dukesgate Close, Little Hulton in the early hours of November 10 last year.
He had been carrying a bag containing photos of Ms Ncube, a hammer, a face mask, a knife, a screwdriver and scissors.
After first trying to strangle his ex-partner, Moyo then stabbed Ms Ncube with a skewer after chasing her and her children down in the street.
Moyo then fled the scene while his victim died soon after.
Having first denied his crime when questioned by police he pleaded guilty to murder on what would have been the first day of his trial on Monday April 29 this year.
Judge Patrick Field KC sentenced Moyo, of Pennington Road, Great Lever, to life in prison with a minimum term of 27 years.
CPS North West senior crown prosecutor Emanuele Bellanca said: “Obert Moyo, enraged by his jealousy, carried out a vicious, sustained attack on a defenceless woman.
“He attempted to evade responsibility for his actions, claiming it was an accident.
“The Crown Prosecution Service worked with Greater Manchester Police to build a strong case including CCTV footage, medical evidence and eyewitness testimony.
“The strength of the evidence was such that Moyo changed his plea to guilty on the day of trial.
“Nothing can make up for the loss of Perseverance Ncube, and my thoughts are very much with her family and friends.
“This case is a poignant reminder that violence against women and girls continues to plague our society.
“Working with our partners, we are committed to bringing domestic abusers to justice.”
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In response to questions as to why Moyo had been able to remain in the country, the Home Office said it is working to increase the numbers of overseas criminals being removed.
A Home Office spokesperson said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with Ms Ncube’s family.
"We often deal with significant and complex challenges when seeking to return those who have no right to be in the UK to their country of origin or lawful place of return.
"The Government is doing everything possible to reduce legal challenges and to increase the numbers of foreign national offenders being removed."
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