LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR FARM MURDER
Wepener: On 20 April 2017, the farmer, Pieter van der Berg (49) left his home before 7am shortly after his wife drove to work in Dewetsdorp. The farm helper Tsietso Matsabisa was busy cleaning in the yard when she heard dogs barking and went to investigate. She was attacked by three males who assaulted her, tied her hands and dragged her into the house.
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All three started ransacking the house and found a firearm. During that time the farmer returned home as he had forgotten something and found the men busy ransacking his bedroom, He tried to run but was shot multiple times and assaulted. The suspects continued to ransack the house and took cellphones, electrical appliances and firearms from the safe before fleeing the scene. Both the farmer and the helper died at the scene.
Wepener Police were alerted a multidisciplinary search comprising of neighbouring farmers and the police was activated but suspects were not found.
The case was then referred to the Provincial Trio Task team under the leadership of Lt Col Tankiso Sefudi. The team left no stone unturned and soon thereafter all three men Thabang Letsi (24), Tshepiso Mosoeu (24) and Toki Leisa 22 were arrested and property stolen from the farm was also recovered. They were all found guilty on two counts of murder and robbery on aggravating circumstances.
All three were sentenced on Friday 25 May 2018 by the High Court in Wepener, to two life imprisonment each for the murder of the farmer and his helper and 15 years direct imprisonment each for robbery on aggravating circumstances.
Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Moeketsi Sempe lauded the team for the splendid work performed through the investigation and appreciate continuous efforts and commitment by farmers in working with the police in crimes against farmer and the farm community.
