Johannesburg – Two ladies of the night, who enticed a 29-year-old man into taking them to his home in Sandton where they killed him, have been sentenced to life in prison by the high court.
On that fateful night, 3 April 2019, the pair of prostitutes 29-year-old Refilwe Mokgotlo and 33-year-old Julia Rihlampfu were working in the Fourways area when they found a gullible client.
Mokgotlo and Rihlampfu had travelled from Pretoria to a pub in Fourways seeking clients.
Narrating further details of the debauchery that culminated in the man’s death, Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said: “At approximately 3 am, the deceased accepted their services and left with them to his Sandton residence”.
Mjonondwane added: “After purchasing food, the deceased had consensual sex with Mokgotlo while Rihlampfu was in the other room.
“However, an altercation ensued during the intercourse”.
During the trial, the investigating officer on the case, Warrant Officer Mojapelo testified on behalf of the state and brought to light evidence which indicated that Mokgotlo choked the deceased with a cable until he died.
The court heard that Mokgotlo and her co-accused left the dead man in his residence, and stole what they could, before fleeing the crime scene.
The dead man’s father raised the alarm after several failed attempts to reach the 29-year-old.
The father contacted a family friend and asked him to check on his son at his Sandton residence.
“The friend visited the deceased’s residence, gained entry, and discovered the lifeless body on the floor,” said Mjonondwane.
The police were then called to the scene.
“Video footage from the complex further revealed the deceased entering his residence accompanied by two women, who were later seen exiting the complex with his house keys.
“A cellphone charger 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.”
In court, Prosecutor, and senior state Advocate, Evelyn Moseki, argued in aggravation, saying the accused acted in common purpose, taking advantage of the deceased’s kindness when he invited them to his home and provided them with food.
Advocate Moseki further emphasised that the deceased met a brutal end and his lifeless body was callously abandoned.
The court concurred with the state’s position, noting that the duo demonstrated a shocking lack of remorse by mercilessly abandoning the victim and neglecting to report the incident to the authorities.
On Friday, (5 October 2024), the two sex workers were sentenced to life in prison by the high court in Johannesburg.
“The NPA welcomes the sentence as it reflects the severity of the crime and upholds justice for the victim and his family,” said Mjonondwane.
