LIFE SENTENCE FOR MAN WHO MURDERED WOMAN IN BRUTAL MAIN REEF ROBBERY
13 AUGUST 2025
LIFE SENTENCE FOR MAN WHO MURDERED WOMAN IN BRUTAL MAIN REEF ROBBERY
Mthokozisi Mngomezulu (33) was sentenced by the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court to life imprisonment plus an additional 13 years for the murder of a 27-year-old woman known as Paulina on Main Reef Road on 22 September 2019. He was arrested later that same day while a witness was at the scene with the police. The witness spotted Mngomezulu walking across Main Reef Road and pointed him out to the officers. Police approached and apprehended him. Whilst searching him, they discovered a firearm with a filed-off serial number hidden in his jacket. The firearm was sent for ballistic analysis, which confirmed that the cartridge case found at the scene was fired from the same weapon. Mngomezulu was taken into custody and charged with Murder and Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm.
Warrant Officer Johan Potgieter led the investigation, which revealed that the deceased and a friend were walking along Main Reef Road from the George Goch informal settlement when they noticed the accused following them. The deceased expressed concern, but her friend dismissed it. The accused eventually approached, ordered them to stop and demanded the deceased’s bag while pointing a firearm at her. The witness fled upon seeing the gun, but heard a gunshot shortly after and saw her friend fall. She continued running and called for help.
Acting Regional Court Prosecutor Terry Hlongwane described the murder as brutal, senseless, and committed against two defenceless women. He supported his argument with a Victim Impact Statement by Court Preparations Officer Dineo Theoha, revealing that the eyewitness, also the deceased’s friend, became an alcoholic and remains deeply traumatised. The court agreed with the State, noting the tragedy was especially painful as the sentence was passed in August, a month meant to honour women, now marked by grief and sorrow.
The NPA remains committed to securing justice for victims of violent crime, especially against women, and ensuring that perpetrators face the full might of the law.
Issued by:
Phindi Mjonondwane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Gauteng Division, Johannesburg
083 402 4787 / 011 220 4245