PARYS – Free State police has welcomed the combined 41-year-sentence handed down by the Parys Regional Court against two men responsible for the brutal murder and robbery of a local farmer.
The convictions stem from a horrific incident at Morelig Farm in the Parys area in the early hours of 10 January 2025. The deceased, Themba Motha (59), and his partner were attacked by two assailants. During the assault, Motha was brutally beaten to death.
The suspects fled the scene with a Mahindra bakkie, copper cables, a bush cutter, and an MV battery.
Swift arrests
A multidisciplinary team – comprising the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes murder and robbery unit, Fezile Dabi TRIO Task Team, Parys police, and Parys Local Criminal Record Centre – was mobilised.
Through meticulous investigative work, both suspects, 29-year-old Sandile Dlomo and 23-year-old Karabo Lethoba, were arrested just two days after the crime. All stolen items were successfully recovered from various locations in Tumahole and Parys.
Dlomo was sentenced to 15 years for murder and 15 years for robbery and theft. The court ordered eight years of the second count to run concurrently with the first. Dlomo will serve an effective 23 years’ direct imprisonment.
Lethoba was sentenced to 15 years for murder and 15 years for robbery and theft. The court ordered three years of the second count to run concurrently with the first. Lethoba will serve an effective 18 years’ direct imprisonment.
Clear message
Major General Apaphia Modise, deputy provincial commission for Crime Detection in the Free State, extended her gratitude to the investigating officer, Constable Rense of the Free State provincial Serious Violent Crimes Unit, the prosecutor Thlaloane, and the entire team of experts who ensured a watertight case.
“This sentence sends a clear message that attacks on our farming community will be met with the full might of the law. We hope this brings a sense of closure to the Motha family,” said Modise.
