Douglas sisters get life for killing cousin over R80k payout

DOUGLAS sisters Naledi and Mpho Leburu have been sentenced to life imprisonment for orchestrating the murder of their cousin, Ristelle Steenkamp, in order to cash in on two life policies taken out in her name, with a combined value of R80,000.

Steenkamp’s “body” was placed in a rubbish bin and dumped in a water canal in Douglas on August 11, 2020. It was later determined that she was still alive when she was thrown into the water, where the cause of death was drowning and a head injury.

Co-accused Justin Tier, who shares two children with Mpho, was found to have shown remorse for his actions and was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment.

The trio were sentenced in the Northern Cape High Court on October 31 on charges of murder, obstruction or defeating the course of justice, and fraud.

Tier admitted that he received R10 000 after he had strangled the deceased. 

Tier admitted that he received R10,000 after he strangled Steenkamp.

Judge Cecile Williams noted that Tier had twice attempted suicide and said he “saw the deceased in his dreams”. He also suffered a stroke following the incident.

“He took responsibility for his actions and pleaded guilty, offering his full co-operation. He initially pleaded not guilty in accordance with the State’s case,” Williams said.

The judge said she believed Tier was capable of rehabilitation and had shown genuine remorse.

“He acted under the influence of drugs and the coercion of his co-accused. Tier is attending church services while in prison and has time in custody to get rid of his habits.”

In contrast, Williams said, the Leburu sisters showed no remorse.

She said the pair were motivated by greed and were not in desperate need of money to provide for their families.

“Instead, the insurance payout was used to buy luxury brand-name clothing and to hold extravagant parties.”

She indicated that the six minor children of the accused are currently being cared for by their grandfather, after the father of the accused passed away this year.

“This is while the child of the deceased has been deprived of a mother’s care. The deceased’s aunt, Spas Tieties, who is supposed to be enjoying her golden years, is responsible for the child. She lost her niece, whom she considered to be her right hand, someone who alleviated her burdens.”

Williams described the killing as “cruel and inhumane” and said Steenkamp was deprived of her dignity.

“An innocent life was lost. She was in the prime of her life and trusted the accused. She suffered from epilepsy and was like a lamb led to slaughter, where she was made drunk by alcohol and was strangled until she lost consciousness. She was dumped in a dustbin and thrown in the river.” 

The judge added that the accused’s children would be left in the care of the brother of the accused and his wife. Tier’s mother also indicated that she wished to care for her son’s children.

Williams discharged witness Denzil Mosito from prosecution as he had co-operated fully and answered the court honestly. He had helped carry the dustbin to the water canal because it was too heavy.

The Leburu sisters were represented by defence attorney Moetleetsi Mogwera. Tier was represented by advocate Kgosietsile Kingsley Sebolai.

The State was represented by advocate Adele van Heerden and advocate Sue-Anne Weyers-Gericke.