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LIMPOPO – In a landmark ruling that has brought some closure to a grieving community, three men have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of Nicolaas “Nicci” Janse van Rensburg, a 35 year old farmer from Roedtan.
The Polokwane High Court has handed down its sentence against Malesela Albert Mangena (35), Velly Segwale (35), and Lesiba Solly Segwale (45), who were found guilty on all charges related to the horrific farm attack that occurred on 7 October 2022. The sentencing comes after their conviction on 11 June in what prosecutors described as a “premeditated crime executed with extreme violence.”
According to court records, the three men conspired to commit robbery at Derdekraal Farm in Roedtan. The attack began when the perpetrators arrived at the farm in a white sedan, pretending to be interested in purchasing milk. At the time, only a 15 year old boy was at home on the property.
The court heard how the assailants overwhelmed the minor, holding him at gunpoint while demanding money and safe keys. They handcuffed the boy with cable ties before proceeding to loot valuable items from the home.
The situation escalated dramatically when Janse van Rensburg and his partner, Veronica Grobler, returned to the house and encountered the intruders. A violent confrontation ensued during which the accused held the couple at gunpoint and cruelly tortured Janse van Rensburg. The young farmer was subsequently shot in the head and knee after being forced to surrender his safe keys.
The attackers fled with mobile phones, computer equipment, firearms, and other valuables, leaving Grobler and the boy bound and unable to call for help until the following day.
Following a thorough police investigation, the three men were arrested and remained in custody throughout their trial. Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, the court found them guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of unlicensed ammunition.
The sentence handed down includes life imprisonment for murder, along with a combined additional 42 years for the related offenses. The court ordered that these sentences run concurrently with the life sentence. Additionally, all three men were declared unfit to possess firearms.
During the sentencing proceedings, State Advocate Norman Makhubele called two key witnesses to testify about the impact of the crime. Kobus Delange, representing South African commercial farmers, emphasized the critical role farmers play in food security, employment, and the national economy, while highlighting the alarming increase in violent attacks against the farming community.
In particularly moving testimony, Taleza van Rensburg, sister of the deceased, spoke about the devastating effect of the murder on their family and farm workers. She revealed that livestock had to be sold due to safety concerns, resulting in job losses and the eventual closure of the farm operation.
The prosecution successfully argued that the accused had shown no remorse and had previous convictions for robbery. The court agreed that there were no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence.
The murder had sparked widespread outrage in the farming community. The case drew significant attention due to the violent nature of the crime and its impact on the local farming community, with many advocacy groups calling for farm murders to be classified as high-priority crimes.
Advocate Ivy Thenga, Director of Public Prosecutions in the Limpopo Division, welcomed the sentence: “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.”
