PARYS, South Africa — The Free State police have expressed satisfaction with a significant ruling from the Parys Regional Court, which imposed a combined 41-year prison sentence on two men convicted of murdering a local farmer and robbing his property.
The case revolves around a brutal attack that took place early on January 10, 2025, at Morelig Farm. Victim Themba Motha, 59, was assaulted alongside his partner by the two defendants. The assault ended tragically, with Motha suffering fatal injuries during the encounter.
Following the attack, the assailants made off with a Mahindra bakkie, copper cables, a bush cutter, and an MV battery. The violence that characterized this incident has drawn public attention and concern regarding safety in rural areas.
A swift and coordinated response from local law enforcement proved pivotal in the investigation. A team that included the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes unit, the Fezile Dabi TRIO Task Team, Parys police, and the Parys Local Criminal Record Centre worked diligently to identify the suspects.
Just two days after the attack, investigators apprehended 29-year-old Sandile Dlomo and 23-year-old Karabo Lethoba. The stolen items were recovered in a timely manner from multiple locations in Tumahole and Parys, demonstrating the efficiency of the police response.
In court, Dlomo received a 15-year sentence for murder and an additional 15 years for robbery and theft. The judge specified that eight years of the latter penalty would run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 23 years for Dlomo.
Lethoba was handed a sentence similar to Dlomo’s—a 15-year term for murder and another 15 years for robbery and theft, with three years of the latter also set to run concurrently. His total effective sentence will be 18 years.
Major General Apaphia Modise, the deputy provincial commissioner for Crime Detection in Free State, acknowledged the diligent efforts of the case team, including investigating officer Constable Rense and prosecutor Thlaloane. She emphasized that the outcome sends a strong message against violence toward the farming community.
“This judgment illustrates our commitment to addressing these heinous acts with the full force of the law,” Modise said. “We hope this brings some solace to the Motha family during this difficult time.”
The sentencing marks a crucial step in the ongoing fight against crime in rural areas, as communities seek reassurance and justice in the wake of violent incidents.