KEY POINTS
- Gauteng man Paul Prinsloo sentenced to 25 years for killing his wife and stepdaughter.
- Court acknowledges compelling circumstances, including Prinsloo’s age and illness.
- Gender-based violence a major factor in the sentencing decision.
A 63-year-old man, Paul Philipps Prinsloo, was sentenced to 25 years in prison by the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Tuesday for the premeditated murders of his wife and stepdaughter.
The victims, Magdalenne Prinsloo (58) and Ruzanna Prinsloo (33), were fatally shot on November 27, 2023, at their home in Kosmos Village, Hartbeespoort.
Prinsloo was convicted after an investigation revealed that he shot both women with a hunting rifle during a domestic argument.
His wife and stepdaughter were killed after Prinsloo went upstairs to retrieve his firearm. After the killings, he placed a Bible on top of his wife’s body.
His friend, who was present at the time of the incident, took the couple’s 6-year-old granddaughter and immediately contacted the police.
According to IOL, Prinsloo was arrested at the scene and has been in custody since. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) opposed his release on bail.
Accused pleads guilty but maintains it wasn’t premeditated
Prinsloo pleaded guilty to the murders but maintained that they were not premeditated. During sentencing, State prosecutor Advocate Bongani Khoza argued that the killings were deliberate, supported by substantial evidence.
Prinsloo’s legal team argued that due to his age and ill health, the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment should not apply.
They also pointed out that he had already spent more than a year in custody awaiting trial.
Despite the plea for leniency, Khoza emphasized that the crimes were serious, involving gender-based violence (GBV), which is prevalent in the country. He urged the court to impose a severe sentence to reflect the gravity of the offence.
Judge acknowledges age and health as compelling circumstances
Judge Mashudu Munzhelele, in handing down the sentence, acknowledged substantial and compelling circumstances. These circumstances led to the decision to deviate from the life sentence.
The judge considered Prinsloo’s age, his terminal illness, and his expression of remorse. He also considered Prinsloo’s offer of money to the granddaughter.
The NPA welcomed the sentence. They reaffirmed their commitment to combating GBV and ensuring justice for the victims.
