A third suspect, Shaun Geswindt (24), has been sentenced to an effective 44 years’ imprisonment by the Hankey Regional Court for a violent and calculated farm attack that left a 70-year-old farmer severely injured and traumatised.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority’s regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali, the incident occurred on 6 February 2022 at Connie Muller Farm, Kwagga in Patensie, where the victims, an elderly couple, were brutally attacked inside their farmhouse. The wife, who was wheelchair-bound and unable to walk, has since passed away.
He added that during the early hours of the morning, Geswindt and his accomplices, Leon Maphethwana and Sakumzi Maarman, forced their way into the farmhouse. “They assaulted the 70-year-old husband, robbed the couple of cash, firearms, and other valuables, and kidnapped the husband, leaving him for dead in nearby bushes close to Jeffreys Bay. The husband was found alive after managing to free himself and seek help.”
Tyali said that all three perpetrators were arrested shortly after the attack following swift investigative work by the SAPS and the dedicated efforts of the prosecution team. “Maphethwana and Maarman pleaded guilty on 18 September 2023 to the same charges and were sentenced to a combined 94 years’ imprisonment, with each receiving 47 years, with some counts running concurrently.”
He further added that Geswindt, who knew the victims, growing up near the farm, pleaded not guilty. He claimed that he had been coerced into participating in the crimes. The court found his account false and inconsistent, rejecting his coercion claim. The court found that Geswindt acted in unison with his accomplices.
“The court further found that Geswindt actively participated in the planning and execution of the robbery, noting that he had multiple opportunities to withdraw from the crime or report it to the police but failed to do so,” said Tyali. “His familiarity with the victims made him a key enabler in the group’s plan.”
Regional Court prosecutor Liezel Landman prosecuted the case, presenting compelling evidence, including fingerprint reports and ballistics, as confirmed by the surviving victim.
Geswindt was convicted and sentenced as follows:
- Housebreaking with intent to rob – 7 years’ imprisonment
- Robbery with aggravating circumstances – 15 years’ imprisonment
- Kidnapping – 3 years’ imprisonment
- Possession of a firearm and ammunition – 7 years’ imprisonment
- Attempted murder – 10 years’ imprisonment
- Theft – 2 years’ imprisonment
Geswindt was also declared unfit to possess a firearm by the court.
The Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Barry Madolo welcomed the sentence and praised the prosecution and investigation teams for their unwavering commitment to justice.
“This sentence delivers a firm and uncompromising message that those who commit violent crimes against the elderly and vulnerable will face the full might of the law,” said Madolo. “Such acts of cruelty have no place in our society. The NPA will continue to act decisively against perpetrators who threaten the safety, dignity, and peace of our rural communities.”
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