EVANDER, MPUMALANGA – Three men who carried out a brutal farm attack while posing as prospective cattle buyers, have been sentenced to life imprisonment plus an additional 71 years each by the Evander Regional Court.
Thubelihle Ndwandwe (29), Siyabonga Ndwandwe (29), and Muzikayifane Ndwandwe (43) were convicted on 17 charges relating to the violent attack that took place on a farm in Leslie, Mpumalanga, on 7 September 2022.
According to court documents, the three men arrived at the farm under the pretence of wanting to purchase cattle and were received by the farm owner’s wife and an employee. What began as a routine business inquiry quickly turned into a nightmare when the brutal assault took place.
The attackers strangled and repeatedly stabbed the farm owner’s wife before binding her with cable ties, while threatening the employee at gunpoint. Another worker witnessed the attack and managed to lock the house and flee to a neighbouring farm for help.
Meanwhile the assailants ransacked the farmhouse, searching for money and valuables. When neighbouring farmers responded to the distress call, one farmer was robbed of his car keys and narrowly escaped having his cellphone stolen.
The attackers fled on foot with R10 000 in cash, an airgun, car keys, and a grinder. Local farmers and police quickly mobilised a manhunt, leading to the arrest of all three suspects later that same day.
During the trial, the accused denied any involvement in the attack, claiming they had been hitchhiking at the time of the incident. However, State Prosecutor Sheetal Kissoon presented compelling evidence that demolished their alibi.
More than 30 witnesses testified during the proceedings, all placing the accused at the crime scene. Prosecutor Kissoon also presented expert evidence on the prevalence and devastating impact of farm attacks in South Africa, along with victim impact statements that detailed the severe physical and emotional trauma suffered by the survivors.
The trio were found guilty on 17 charges, including attempted murder, kidnapping and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Each defendant received life imprisonment for attempted murder.
Monica Nyuswa, Regional Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Mpumalanga welcomed the sentence. “This outcome underscores the tireless collaboration between law enforcement and prosecution teams in combating farm-related crimes and ensuring justice for victims,” Nyuswa said.
