Two sex workers have been sentenced to life imprisonment by the High Court of South Africa: Gauteng Division Johannesburg, for the murder of a 29-year-old client in Sandton.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Regional Spokesperson – Gauteng Division, Johannesburg, Phindi Mjonondwane, announced the sentences on Friday, October 4, 2024. In addition to life imprisonment for murder, the accused were each sentenced to 15 years for robbery and six months for theft.
On April 13, 2019, Refilwe Mokgotlo (29) and Julia Rihlampfu (33) traveled from Pretoria to a pub in Fourways seeking clients. After meeting the deceased, they accompanied him to his Sandton residence. Following a consensual sexual encounter, an altercation ensued.
The investigating officer, Warrant Officer Mojapelo, testified that Mokgotlo strangled the deceased with a charger cable until he died. She then left his lifeless body, which was discovered by the deceased’s father.
Video footage from the complex showed the deceased entering his residence with the two women, who were later seen leaving with his house keys. Evidence from the crime scene, including a cellphone cord around the deceased’s neck and bank slips on the bed, linked the accused to the murder.
Senior State Advocate, Evelyn Moseki, presented aggravating circumstances, highlighting the accused’s callous disregard for the victim and their lack of remorse. The court concurred with the state’s position and imposed the maximum sentence.
The NPA welcomed the sentence, stating that it reflects the severity of the crime and delivers justice for the victim and his family.
