Farm employee sentenced to 20 years for murder and robbery
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- September 15, 2022
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The Limpopo Division of the High Court in Polokwane have sentenced Sello Bethuel Baloyi (27) to 20 years imprisonment for murder. Baloyi was sentenced for the robbery and murder of Piet Smith (83) on his Droogekloof farm outside Bela-Bela in February of 2021.
The incident took place between 24 February and 25 February 2021 in which the lifeless body of Smith was discovered by one of his workers (accused) inside the house. Police were summoned and they started with initial investigations. A case of the inquest was then opened.
The case was assigned to Captain Smith from Bela-Bela Detectives. It was later revealed through forensic evidence that the deceased was actually shot and killed and the incident was only reported days after. The case was consequently changed to murder.
SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR MURDER
It was also revealed that the deceased was actually murdered by the accused who was employed on his farm. He later called the police and his family as if he died of natural causes. It was also discovered that he robbed of the deceased his cellphone.
Shortly afterwards, Baloyi was arrested after he was positively linked with the incident. The investigating officer gathered crucial evidence that helped the prosecution secure the conviction.
The accused was sentenced on Wednesday 14 September after he was found guilty of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. He was sentenced to 05 years imprisonment for robbery and 15 years for murder. The sentences will run concurrently.
WHAT THE POLICE SAYS…
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the sentences.
“We hope the sentences will serve as a deterrent to other criminals that their dubious acts will be exposed and those responsible will be brought to book,” said Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
Farm killings have been on the rise in South Africa in recent times. Limpopo Police have promised to work day and night to stop the farm killings in the Country.