Latest news with #FirearmsControlAct60of2000
The Citizen
19 hours ago
- The Citizen
Farm attack gang sentenced to life for Limpopo farmers murder
Prosecutors described the crime as 'premeditated executed with extreme violence'. Three men have been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of a 35-year-old farmer, Nicolaas 'Nicci' Janse van Rensburg, in Limpopo. Malesela Albert Mangena (35), Velly Segwale (35), and Lesiba Solly Segwale (45) appeared in the Polokwane High Court on Monday, where the sentence was handed down. The trio was also handed a combined additional 42 years' imprisonment for multiple related offences. Conviction The sentence for the farmer's murder comes after their conviction on 11 June in what prosecutors described as a 'premeditated crime executed with extreme violence'. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said the three men were found guilty on several charges, including conspiracy to commit robbery, murder, robbery, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and unlicensed ammunition. ALSO READ: Trio convicted for brutal farm attack in Eastern Cape 'The court ordered that the sentences will run concurrently with the life sentence for murder. Therefore, the effective sentence is life imprisonment. The court further declared the accused unfit to possess firearms under Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.' Trial Malabi-Dzhangi said during the trial, the accused pleaded not guilty to all charges. 'The court heard that on 07 October 2022, the trio conspired to commit a robbery at Derdekraal Farm. Upon arrival, they entered the house and held a 15-year-old boy at gunpoint, demanding money and the safe keys. They handcuffed the boy and began looting valuable items. 'When the farm owner, Nicolaas Johannes Janse van Rensburg, and his partner arrived, the accused ordered them to sit down. An altercation ensued, during which Van Rensburg was shot and killed. The accused fled the scene but were later arrested following a thorough police investigation and remained in custody until the finalisation of their trial,' Malabi-Dzhangi said. Farm murders In aggravation of sentence, state prosecutor Advocate Norman Makhubele called two key witnesses. Kobus de Lange, representing South African commercial farmers, testified about the critical role farmers play in ensuring food security, creating employment opportunities, and contributing to the national economy. De Lange testified about the alarming rise in violent attacks on farmers. The farmer's sister, Taleza van Rensburg, provided emotional testimony on the devastating impact of the murder on the family and farmworkers. Taleza said livestock had to be sold due to safety concerns, resulting in job losses and ultimately the farm's closure. Previous convictions Malabi-Dzhangi said the accused had previous convictions for robbery and showed no remorse. 'The court agreed with the state's submission that there were no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence.' Limpopo Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Ivy Thenga welcomed the sentence. 'The NPA remains committed to delivering justice for victims of violent crimes, especially those murdered in cold blood for their belongings. I commend Advocate Makhubele and all the stakeholders involved in securing this conviction and sentence,' Thenga said. ALSO READ: Four arrested for Free State farm murder, kidnapped wife rescued
The Citizen
12-06-2025
- The Citizen
Hero detective acts fast as armed suspect sparks high-speed drama in Fochville
A routine patrol turned into a high-stakes drama on Monday, June 9, when a local police detective came face-to-face with an armed suspect in broad daylight. Warrant Officer Pieter Maartens, a well-known and respected detective in the Fochville area, was conducting routine duties at approximately 13:10 when he noticed a white Citroën speeding through the streets of Fochville. The vehicle ignored multiple stop signs and posed a serious risk to other road users. Suspecting the driver to be intoxicated, Maartens followed the vehicle and pulled it over at the corner of Church and Koring Streets. As he began questioning the driver, the situation escalated rapidly. The 26-year-old suspect, visibly agitated, drew a 9mm gas-powered handgun and pointed it at both Maartens and his 20-year-old passenger—who was on parole. Quick-thinking saves lives In a split-second decision, Warrant Officer Maartens chose not to draw his weapon, knowing it could intensify the danger. Instead, he opened the vehicle door and dove to safety, pulling the parolee out with him. The suspect momentarily fled on foot but then returned, circling the police vehicle while still aiming the weapon. This gave Maartens the opportunity to fire two warning shots to deter the threat. The confrontation escalated into a high-speed chase through Fochville, during which the suspect continued pointing the firearm at the officers. In response, Maartens fired three additional shots at the vehicle. Suspect apprehended, weapon seized The suspect finally came to a stop in Church Street. With backup units arriving on the scene, police successfully ordered him out of the vehicle and arrested him without further resistance. Upon inspection, police recovered a gas-powered handgun with seven rounds and a knife from the vehicle. The Citroën sustained five bullet strikes during the pursuit, though the suspect was unharmed except for minor cuts from broken glass. Both Maartens and the parolee also suffered minor injuries. Tests revealed the suspect was under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of the incident. He has since been charged with: Illegal pointing of a firearm Driving under the influence Reckless and negligent driving Possession of a dangerous weapon Legal implications: What the law says Although gas guns do not require a firearm license in South Africa, Section 120(6) of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 makes it illegal to point any firearm, antique firearm, or air gun—loaded or not—without a lawful reason. This includes any object that could reasonably be mistaken for a real firearm. The case will serve as a strong reminder of the legal consequences of reckless behaviour with imitation weapons, especially when public safety is at risk. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
