Sex workers sentenced to life in prison for brutally killing a client
The victim was strangled to death with a charger cable after an altercation broke out while at his residence in Sandton.
Two sex workers, Refilwe Mokgotlo and Julia Rihlampfu, have been sentenced to life in prison for the 2019 murder of a client.
The two are reported to have traveled to a pub in Fourways on April 13, 2019 to look for clients.
However, their night took a deadly turn when they accompanied a 29-year-old client to his residence in Sandton.
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After offering their services and purchasing food, an altercation broke out, resulting in Mokgotlo strangling the victim to death with a charger cable, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindile Mjonondwane said in a media statement.
“The investigating officer on the case testified on behalf of the state and brought to light evidence which indicated that Mokgotlo strangled the deceased with a charger cable until he died.
“She then left his lifeless body, which was discovered when the deceased’s father contacted a family friend, after repeated unsuccessful attempts to reach him. The friend visited the deceased’s residence, gained entry, and discovered his lifeless body on the floor and alerted the police.”
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The statement further revealed that CCTV footage showed the deceased entering his residence accompanied by two women, who subsequently left with his house keys.
“A cellphone cord was found around the deceased’s neck and bank slips were on the bed. Fingerprints lifted from the crime scene matched those of the accused, substantiating their involvement in the crime.
“The investigation uncovered key evidence, including video footage of the duo entering and exiting the complex with the victim’s house keys and a cellphone cord around his neck.”
During the trial, senior state advocate Evelyn Moseki highlighted the accused’s lack of remorse and exploitation of the victim’s kindness. The court agreed, handing down life imprisonment sentences for murder, 15 years for robbery, and six months for theft.
The NPA welcomed the sentence, noting its reflection on the crime’s severity and upholding justice for the victim and his family.
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