The Strand Regional Court has handed down a 20-year prison sentence to 52-year-old Mhlayifani July for the murder of his girlfriend, 25-year-old Phumeka Plaatjie, in June 2022.
The court heard that the crime occurred on the night of Saturday, June 18, 2022, following an argument between the couple at their home in the Pholile informal settlement. The accused brutally assaulted Ms. Plaatjie, fled the scene, and left her for dead.
The gruesome discovery was made days later when concerned relatives, having noticed both individuals were missing, forced entry into July’s home. Inside, they found the body of Phumeka Plaatjie with multiple wounds to her upper body. The relatives immediately alerted the South African Police Service.
A murder case was opened, and Detective Sergeant Mfundo Soyiyo of the SAPS led the investigation. Following several leads, Sergeant Soyiyo tracked down and arrested the accused, who was on the run at the time.
In court, Mhlayifani July confessed to the crime and pleaded guilty. The Strand Regional Court subsequently sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment for murder. Five years of the sentence were suspended for a period of five years, meaning July will serve an effective 15 years in prison. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
