Lengthy sentences for brutal murder of elderly Upington businesswoman

THREE accused were handed lengthy sentences for their involvement in the robbery and brutal murder of retired Upington businesswoman Judith Redelinghuys, 71. 

The body of the deceased was found at her secured housing complex in Upington during the hard Covid-19 lockdown on June 30, 2020.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said she had been thrown into her swimming pool with her hands bound behind her back.

"Investigations further revealed that several of her signature jewellery pieces were missing."

He indicated that the accused, Tumelo Mavlenter Sotho, 44, Martatjie Engelbrecht, 36, and Nkosinathi Ntombela, 39, were implicated in the commission of the crime through cellphone analysis.  

Senokoatsane said a critical breakthrough occurred when Ntombela attempted to sell one of the stolen rings to a well-known pawn shop in Upington.

"Engelbrecht informed police that the ring belonged to her. Following the arrest of Ntombela on July 3 2020,  Engelbrecht deposed to an affidavit asserting that she was the owner of the ring, which resulted in the release of Ntombela from detention." 

He added that the investigating team established that the ring was exclusively designed and manufactured for the deceased in Cape Town.

"Upon obtaining this evidence, Ntombela was rearrested, and Engelbrecht was subsequently arrested after further evidence revealed her deliberate involvement in misleading the investigation.

"Further evidence showed that Sotho was employed at the same residential complex where the deceased resided. Over time, he had gained the trust of the deceased, where his familiarity with her and available access into the complex played a pivotal role in facilitating the commission of the offences." 

Senokoatsane said the State, represented by Advocate Jaques Rosenberg, Advocate Simon Matsoso, and Advocate Terché Engelbrecht, led compelling evidence, including witness testimony and cellphone tracking data.

"The accused were placed in the vicinity of the deceased’s residence at the time of the commission of the crime.

"The State successfully opposed bail, and all three accused remained in custody throughout the duration of the trial." 

He stated that in aggravation of sentence, the State submitted that the accused were motivated by greed and the belief that the deceased kept large sums of money at her home.

"It was argued that the accused had multiple opportunities to abandon their plan, yet they consciously elected to proceed. The State further submitted that the accused played distinct but interrelated roles and should be held fully accountable.

"The State believed that the killing was planned, particularly given that the deceased was known to Sotho. The murder was described as heinous, brutal and a gross violation of trust, committed against a vulnerable elderly woman in the safety of her own home." 

He said the State acknowledged that the accused spent approximately five years in custody awaiting finalisation of the trial.

"The State submitted that the delays were reasonable given the complexity of the matter, the volume of evidence, and operational challenges such as load shedding. No deliberate delay or prejudice to the accused was established.

"The court also considered the devastating impact on the deceased’s family, particularly the fact that her daughter and granddaughter were the ones who discovered her body. "

Accused misled the police  

Senokoatsane said the State rejected claims that Ntombela had influenced Engelbrecht, noting that she had continued to mislead police even after Ntombela was placed in custody.

"Engelbrecht directed investigators on a false trail to Cape Town, attempted to recruit an innocent person to corroborate her false version, and concealed evidence by relocating jewellery to Sotho’s residence." 

He stated that the Northern Cape High Court, sitting in the Upington circuit court, acknowledged the absence of remorse, particularly on the part of Sotho, who knew the deceased and the fact that the offences were driven by greed.

"Sotho and Ntombela were sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances and life imprisonment for premeditated murder. The court ordered that the robbery sentences run concurrently with the murder sentences for both accused. Engelbrecht was sentenced to five years' direct imprisonment for being an accessory after the fact.  She was acquitted on the charge of defeating the ends of justice. All three accused were declared unfit to possess firearms." 

Senokoatsane believed the sentence sent a clear message that violent crimes targeting vulnerable members of society for their hard-earned assets would not be tolerated.

"The NPA hopes that this outcome brings a measure of closure, comfort, and healing to the family of the deceased, knowing that those responsible have been held accountable. The NPA reiterates the constitutional right to life, the right of all citizens to feel safe in their own homes, and the right to live in peace within their communities. The NPA will continue to lead the fight against violent and heinous crimes by ensuring that perpetrators are prosecuted vigorously and sentenced appropriately," he said.