THIRD PERPETRATOR IN FARM ATTACK ON ELDERLY COUPLE SENTENCED

31 October 2025

THIRD PERPETRATOR IN FARM ATTACK ON ELDERLY COUPLE SENTENCED

The Hankey Regional Court has sentenced Shaun Geswindt (24) to an effective 44 years’ imprisonment for a violent and calculated farm attack that left a 70-year-old farmer severely injured and traumatised. The incident occurred on 6 February 2022 at Connie Muller Farm, Kwagga in Patensie, where the victims—an elderly couple—were brutally attacked inside their farmhouse. The wife, who was wheelchair-bound and unable to walk, has since passed away.

During the early hours of the morning, Geswindt and his accomplices, Leon Maphethwana and Sakumzi Maarman, forced their way into the farmhouse. They assaulted the 70-year-old husband, robbed the couple of cash, firearms, and other valuables, and kidnapped the husband—leaving him for dead in nearby bushes close to Jeffreys Bay. He was later found alive after managing to free himself and seek help.

All three perpetrators were arrested shortly after the attack following swift investigative work by the SAPS and the dedicated efforts of the prosecution team. Maphethwana and Maarman pleaded guilty on 18 September 2023 to the same charges and were sentenced to a combined 94 years’ imprisonment (each receiving 47 years, with some counts running concurrently).

Geswindt, who personally knew the victims and had grown up near their farm, pleaded not guilty, claiming that he had been coerced into participating in the crimes. However, the court found his account fabricated and inconsistent, rejected his defence of coercion, and held that he acted in common purpose with his accomplices.

The court further found that Geswindt actively participated in the planning and execution of the robbery, noting that he had multiple opportunities to withdraw from the crime or report it to the police but failed to do so. His familiarity with the victims made him a key enabler in the group’s plan.

The matter was prosecuted by Regional Court Prosecutor Liezel Landman, who led compelling evidence, including ballistic and fingerprint reports, corroborated by the testimony of the surviving victim.

Geswindt was convicted and sentenced as follows:

Housebreaking with intent to rob – 7 years’ imprisonment

Robbery with aggravating circumstances – 15 years’ imprisonment Kidnapping – 3 years’ imprisonment

Possession of a firearm and ammunition – 7 years’ imprisonment

Attempted murder – 10 years’ imprisonment Theft – 2 years’ imprisonment

He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, welcomed the sentence and praised the prosecution and investigation teams for their unwavering commitment to justice.

“This sentence delivers a firm and uncompromising message that those who commit violent crimes against the elderly and vulnerable will face the full might of the law,” said Mr Madolo. “Such acts of cruelty have no place in our society. The NPA will continue to act decisively against perpetrators who threaten the safety, dignity, and peace of our rural communities.”

The National Prosecuting Authority remains resolute in its pursuit of justice for all victims of crime. The outcome of this case underscores the NPA’s steadfast dedication to upholding the rule of law, strengthening community confidence in the justice system, and ensuring that every offender is held fully accountable for their actions. Ends

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali Regional

Spokesperson Eastern Cape Division

Tel: 047 501 2630

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za

National Prosecuting Authority