Parolee Sentenced to 35 Years

20 MARCH 2025

Parolee Sentenced to 35 Years

The Bloemfontein Regional Court has sentenced Thabang Michael Jantjies (43) to an effective 35 years in prison after finding him guilty of attacking and robbing a 34-year-old woman at her farm in Verkeerdevlei, near Bloemfontein. Jantjies was convicted on multiple charges, including housebreaking with intent to steal, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition.

On 11 August 2019, Jantjies broke into the victim’s home at Wilsoo Farm, ambushing her upon arrival. He overpowered and disarmed her, tied her hands with wire, and assaulted her while demanding money and firearms. He then fled the scene with her Mahindra bakkie, cash, firearms, jewellery, and other valuables. The victim remained tied up and helpless until her mother and sister arrived and rescued her. She was later taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

Jantjie was arrested on 22 August 2019 in Marquard after a suspicious fuel station employee alerted the police. He was found in possession of a stolen firearm, later identified by the victim. Further investigations led to the recovery of additional stolen items at his residence. The court considered Jantjie’s extensive criminal history, which included previous convictions for housebreaking and robbery with aggravating circumstances. At the time of the attack, he was out on parole, serving a 15-year sentence for similar offences.

During sentencing, the prosecution, led by Regional Court Prosecutor Thabang Makokwe, presented victim impact evidence. The victim testified about the severe emotional and psychological trauma she suffered, including depression, anxiety, and ongoing fear for her life. The court found no compelling reasons to deviate from the minimum prescribed sentence and imposed: 25 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances and 10 years for firearm-related offenses (to run consecutively). No additional order was made under Section 103 of the Firearm Control Act, as Jantjie had already been declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes this sentence, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that violent criminals, especially repeat offenders, face the full might of the law. Successful prosecutions such as this one provide justice and closure for victims and their families while ensuring that dangerous criminals are removed from society.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Free State Division
Email: MSenokoatsane@npa.gov.za
Mobile: 073 423 3539