PARYS, South Africa — A regional court has sentenced two men to a combined 41 years in prison for their roles in the violent murder and robbery of a local farmer, an incident that shook the Parys community. The case highlights growing concerns over safety in rural areas and underscores law enforcement’s commitment to addressing violent crime.
The brutal attack occurred at Morelig Farm in the early hours of January 10, 2025. According to police reports, Themba Motha, 59, and his partner were confronted by two men who assaulted them during the robbery. Motha did not survive the attack, which left a lasting mark on the community and raised alarm about the security of farmers in the region.
The assailants made off with significant valuables, including Motha’s Mahindra bakkie, copper cables, a bush cutter, and an MV battery. The theft exacerbated the trauma experienced by the victims and their families, drawing attention to the dangers faced by those working the land.
In response, a specialized task force was quickly assembled, bringing together resources from the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, the Fezile Dabi TRIO Task Team, Parys police, and the Local Criminal Record Centre. Their swift action led to the arrests of 29-year-old Sandile Dlomo and 23-year-old Karabo Lethoba just two days after the crime, with all stolen items recovered from various locations in Tumahole and Parys.
Dlomo received a 15-year sentence for murder, alongside another 15 years for robbery and theft. The court decided that eight years of the latter sentence would run concurrently with the murder charge, resulting in a total of 23 years served. Lethoba, similarly, was sentenced to 15 years for murder and an additional 15 years for robbery and theft, with three years of his theft sentence running concurrently, yielding an effective sentence of 18 years.
Major General Apaphia Modise, deputy provincial commissioner for Crime Detection in the Free State, praised the meticulous efforts of the investigative team, including Constable Rense of the Serious Violent Crimes Unit and prosecutor Thlaloane. She emphasized that the severe penalties demonstrate law enforcement’s commitment to protecting the farming community.
“This sentence sends a clear message that any attacks on our farming community will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law. We hope this outcome brings some closure to the Motha family,” Modise stated.
The case serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing struggles against rural crime in South Africa, where farmers increasingly face threats to their safety and livelihoods. As communities mourn the loss of Motha, the judicial response may help restore a sense of security among those who depend on agriculture for their survival.