Convicted killer Thandi Maqubela showed delusional tendencies and lacked empathy, the Western Cape High Court found on Tuesday.
"She displayed contradictory behavioural traits and tendencies," Judge John Murphy said.
"The evidence shows beyond all doubt, her proclivity towards deception, fraudulent conduct, and an almost delusional tendency to fabricate, aimed unrealistically at self-preservation and advancement."
Murphy sentenced Maqubela to 15 years for the murder of her husband acting judge Patrick Maqubela.
She was sentenced to an effective 18 years in prison. Murphy sentenced her to 15 for murder, three years for forgery and three years for fraud.
The sentences for forgery and fraud would run concurrently.
Maqubela had suffered humiliation as a result of her husband's infidelities and behaviour.
"Constant humiliation caused her to bring him more harm to his reputation by exposing his infidelities to the media and to then justice minister Jeff Radebe," Murphy said.
The acting judge's decision to request a divorce was the ultimate humiliation, he said.
Patrick Maqubela, who worked in the Western Cape High Court, was murdered in his Sea Point, Cape Town, flat in 2009.
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