Life sentences for three men convicted of murdering a Limpopo farm owner
Three men will each serve a life term behind bars for the murder of a Limpopo farm owner in 2022.
Image: File
The gavel of justice fell for three murderers, despite their attempts to maintain their innocence during trial proceedings.
Each will serve a life imprisonment term after being sentenced at the Polokwane High Court this week.
The trio, in their criminal deed, handcuffed a minor boy and held him at gunpoint while they ransacked a farmhouse before the farm owner and his partner entered the house and disrupted their act. However, the farm owner was shot and killed after an altercation ensued.
The men from Limpopo - Malesela Albert Mangena, 35, of Mabotja Extension 45, Velly Segwale, 35, and Lesiba Solly Segwale, 45, of Mmotong Mokgokong village - faced multiple criminal charges, and the court ordered that their various sentences run concurrently with their life terms.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, confirmed they were convicted on charges of conspiracy to commit robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of unlicensed ammunition.
All three pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court further declared the accused unfit to possess firearms under the Firearms Control Act of South Africa.
“The court heard that on 7 October 2022, the trio conspired to commit a robbery at Derdekraal Farm. Upon arrival, they entered the house and held a 15-year-old boy at gunpoint, demanding money and the safe keys. They handcuffed the boy and began looting valuable items.
“When the farm owner, Nicolaas Johannes Janse van Rensburg, and his partner arrived, the accused ordered them to sit down. An altercation ensued, during which Van Rensburg was shot and killed. The accused fled the scene but were later arrested following a thorough police investigation and remained in custody until the finalisation of their trial,” said Malabi-Dzhangi.
In aggravation of sentence, State Advocate Norman Makhubele called two key witnesses.
Kobus Delange, representing South African commercial farmers, testified about the critical role farmers play in food security, employment, and the national economy.
Delange highlighted the alarming rise in violent attacks on farmers.
Taleza van Rensburg, the sister of the deceased, provided emotional testimony on the devastating impact of the murder on the family and farmworkers.
She noted that livestock had to be sold due to safety concerns, resulting in job losses and the eventual closure of the farm.
“The prosecution argued that the crime was premeditated and executed with extreme violence. The accused had previous convictions for robbery and showed no remorse. The court agreed with the State’s submission that there were no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence,” said Malabi-Dzhangi.
Advocate Ivy Thenga, director of Public Prosecutions in the Limpopo Division, said: “The NPA remains committed to delivering justice for victims of violent crimes, especially those murdered in cold blood for their belongings. I commend Advocate Makhubele and all the stakeholders involved in securing this conviction and sentence.”