The Free State High Court sentenced Tshediso Andries Motsoele (45) to life imprisonment and an additional 15 years after finding him guilty of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The sentences will run concurrently.
Motsoele was convicted of stabbing Johanne Andriette Bisset (73) to death on her farm outside Smithfield on 14 December 2020.
Judge Sylvia Daniso handed down the hefty sentence on Thursday (03/03), sending a strong message to perpetrators that violence against women would not be tolerated.
Daniso further declared Motsoele unfit to possess a firearm.
According to Sgt Martin Xuma, police spokesperson, incriminating evidence was found against Motsoele. His blood-stained clothing connected him with the crime, and he was found to be in possession of the victim’s jewellery.
The jewellery was valued at R78 000.
“Forensic investigation and DNA evidence connected the accused with the crime,” said Xuma.
“The farm owner, the victim’s husband, also positively identified the earrings and rings as those of his wife.”
The murder transpired in broad daylight.
Motsoele, a former worker on the victim’s farm, seized the opportunity to attack Bisset when he noticed her husband leaving for his other farm at 09:00.
The victim was getting into her car when Motsoele attacked.
According to Xuma, he yanked her from the car, severely assaulted her and slammed her head against a carport pole.
He then stabbed her in the throat with a sharp object before fleeing with her jewellery.
