A 43-year-old man who was out on parole has again been sentenced to 35 years imprisonment for housebreaking and robbing a 34-year-old woman at her farm in Verkeerdevlei, near Bloemfontein.
The Free State regional National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the Bloemfontein Regional Court sentenced Thabang Michael Jantjies after he was found guilty on multiple charges, including housebreaking with intent to steal, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition.
On August 11, 2019, Jantjies broke into the victim's home at Wilsoo farm, ambushing her on her arrival.
“He overpowered and disarmed her, tied her hands with wire, and assaulted her while demanding money and firearms. He then fled the scene with her Mahindra bakkie, cash, firearms, jewellery, and other valuables,” Senokoatsane added.
After Jantjies left, the victim remained tied and helpless until her mother and sister arrived, and rescued her. “She was later taken to the hospital for medical treatment,” Senokoatsane explained.
On August 22, 2019, Jantjies was arrested after an employee from a fuel station in Marquard became suspicious of him and alerted the police. He was found in possession of a stolen firearm, later identified by his victim.
Moreover, the investigation led to the recovery of additional stolen items at his residence.
Mojalefa added that the court considered Jantjies’s extensive criminal history, which included previous convictions for housebreaking and robbery with aggravating circumstances. “At the time of the attack, he was out on parole, serving a 15-year sentence for similar offences.”
State prosecutor Thabang Makokwe presented the victim impact statement, where the victim said she has suffered from severe depression, and emotional and psychological trauma after the incident. The victim said she also suffers from anxiety and ongoing fear for her life.
The court said it found no compelling reasons to deviate from the minimum prescribed sentence and imposed 25 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, and 10 years for firearm-related offenses. The sentences would run concurrently.
No additional order was made under Section 103 of the Firearm Control Act, as Jantjies had already been declared unfit to possess a firearm.
“The NPA welcomes this sentence, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that violent criminals, especially repeat offenders, face the full might of the law. Successful prosecutions such as this one provide justice and closure for victims and their families while ensuring that dangerous criminals are removed from society,” Mojalefa added.