Africa-Press – South-Africa. A former Free State farmworker has been sentenced to life in prison for robbing and killing a farm owner who fired him.
Judge Sylvia Daniso sentenced Tshediso Andries Motsoelese, 45, in the Free State High Court on Thursday for stabbing farm owner Johanne Andriette Bisset, 73, to death on her farm, just outside Smithfield, and stealing jewellery worth R78 000.
According to Bloemfontein police spokesperson, Sergeant Martin Xuma, Motsoelese went to Bisset’s farm at about 09:00 on 14 December 2020. He was no longer working for her at the time.
He saw her husband ride away on his bike to a second farm that was not far away.
Xuma said:
Without noticing the suspicious ex-employee, Bisset entered her car. But Motsoelese yanked her out and slammed her head against a carport pole, Xuma said.
He stabbed Bisset’s throat twice and stole R78 000 worth of jewellery before he fled.
Tracked down in 4 hours
When her husband returned, Xuma said, he discovered her lifeless body next to her car and immediately called the police, who were dispatched to the scene.
Xuma said:
The police were able to locate Motsoelese in Smithfield within four hours, Xuma said.
According to Xuma, police found a blood-stained blue overall on his bed, as well as Bisset’s jewellery.
The results of a forensic investigation on the jewellery linked Motsoelese to the crime, Xuma added.
Detective Warrant Officer Johannes Engelbrecht obtained key evidence that was presented to the court, ensuring that Motsoelese was found guilty, Xuma added.
The judge also sentenced Motsoelese to 15 years for aggravated robbery and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
The sentences will run concurrently.
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