Former Kempton Park hairdresser Denise Hattingh appeared in the Kempton Park Regional Court on January 28, where her matter was postponed to February 4.

The postponement follows the submission of a social worker’s report, which was received by the court on January 28.

Both the defence and the state have been afforded time to study the report, after which they are expected to address the court on sentencing.

On October 1, Hattingh pleaded guilty to a charge of murder, in terms of Section 51(2) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 51 of 1977.

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According to her plea explanation, Hattingh killed 30-year-old Jacobus Marthinus Greeff on May 15, 2024, at a property on West Road in Pomona.

She admitted to tying Greeff’s hands and feet with an electrical cable and placing a plastic bag over his mouth, restricting his ability to breathe.

The cause of death was confirmed as applied pressure to the neck, consistent with ligature strangulation.

Hattingh further admitted that she had no lawful justification for her actions and did not dispute the chain of custody of Greeff’s body.

A post-mortem examination conducted by forensic pathologist Dr M Nkosi at the Germiston Forensic Laboratory on May 16, 2024, confirmed the cause of death. The post-mortem report was submitted into evidence.

Also read: DENISE HATTINGH: Outstanding medical report delays case again

In her plea, Hattingh stated that she and Greeff were acquainted and occasionally shared a room. She claimed that during a sexual encounter, she tied his hands and feet with an electrical cable, placed a plastic bag over his mouth and held it there until he stopped breathing.

Hattingh admitted that she foresaw the fatal outcome of her actions and accepted full responsibility, acknowledging that her conduct was unlawful and punishable.

The matter is scheduled to return to court on February 4.