Five men, including a teenager, have been handed hefty prison sentences after being found guilty of the brutal murder of 65-year-old Free State farmer Peterson Andrew. The convicted men, aged between 18 and 44, were sentenced to a combined total of 205 years in jail for their roles in the violent crime that took place on July 23, 2023, at Andrew’s farm in Summerslie. The chilling case sheds light on the growing concern over violent crime in rural areas and the impact on farming communities.
The men convicted of the heinous act are Teboho Mothebedi (22), Jabulane Ngcongwane (44), Bheki Maphalala (18), Lephosa Motaung (26), and Siyabonga Khumalo (22). All five were found guilty of a range of serious charges, including murder, housebreaking, robbery, and abduction. The victim, Peterson Andrew, was attacked in his home, where the perpetrators ransacked his property, stealing valuable items such as laptops, cameras, a cellphone, and a Toyota Urban Cruiser.
The criminals then proceeded to abduct Andrew, forcing him into the boot of his car. He was transported to the remote Tseseng area in Qwaqwa, where he was tragically murdered. The brutality of the crime has shocked the local community, leading to widespread condemnation and calls for tougher sentences for those committing violent acts in rural and farming communities.
Each of the five accused men received substantial sentences for their individual roles in the crime. The sentences include three years for housebreaking, 12 years for aggravated robbery, six years for kidnapping, and 20 years for murder. These prison terms are a testament to the seriousness with which the justice system is treating this crime, sending a strong message that violent offenders will not go unpunished.
Captain Loraine Earle of the South African Police Service (SAPS) highlighted the swift and coordinated efforts of law enforcement in bringing the perpetrators to justice. “The dedication and professionalism of the police were key in solving this case,” Earle said. The investigation was intensive, involving multiple agencies and a commitment to ensuring that those responsible for the senseless act faced the full weight of the law.
Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, Provincial Commissioner of the Police in the Free State, commended the investigation team for their exceptional work and leadership. “This case is a reminder of the SAPS’s unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe,” Motswenyane said. “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that violent criminals are held accountable for their actions.” This case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by rural communities and the importance of continued efforts to combat crime in these areas.
