Wife-killer Omar Sabadia will be 78 years old before he will be considered for parole.
The Pretoria High Court on Wednesday turned down his appeal for a lighter sentence and ordered that he serve his effective 50 years in jail.
However, a full Bench of three judges agreed that the 25-year sentence imposed on Sabadia's patient and co-accused, Patrick Manyape, was excessive.
The sentence was reduced to 15 years in jail.