20 YEARS' DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR BRUTAL FARM ATTACK ON AWARD-WINNING FARMER

26 May 2025

20 YEARS' DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR BRUTAL FARM ATTACK ON AWARD-WINNING FARMER

Winnie Mandela (formerly Brandfort), Free State – The Regional Court sitting in Winnie Mandela has sentenced Moeketsi Mphatlatsa (35) to 20 years of direct imprisonment following a targeted and violent farm attack on Ms Mimie Jacobs, a respected community figure and former recipient of the Farmer of the Year award. The attack occurred on 22 February 2020, when the accused and two accomplices broke into Ms Jacobs’ home under the cover of darkness. They kicked down her door, tied her hands and feet with wire, and stabbed her multiple times, leaving her with serious neurological injuries. During the ordeal, the assailants informed her that they knew she lived alone, suggesting a premeditated and calculated assault.

Despite her injuries, Ms Jacobs displayed remarkable resilience. She managed to walk 7 kilometres to the nearest farmhouse to seek help. In his sentencing argument, Regional Court Prosecutor Puseletso Ali described the attack as “merciless and orchestrated”, underscoring that this was no ordinary crime of violence: “This was a deliberate, targeted act against a vulnerable woman living alone on her farm, a space that should be a haven. Instead, she was terrorised, overpowered, and stripped of her dignity and security. Such crimes demand the strongest possible response from the justice system.

The court convicted Mphatlatsa on multiple charges and imposed the following sentences:15 years for housebreaking with intent to rob and robbery, 5 years for kidnapping and 10 years for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The court ordered that the sentence for assault run concurrently with the sentence for housebreaking and robbery, meaning Mphatlatsa will serve an effective 20 years of direct imprisonment.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentence, stating that justice had been served not only for the victim but also for the broader rural community. “These types of violent, organised attacks undermine safety, dignity, and social cohesion, particularly in isolated rural settings,” said Mojalefa Senokoatsane, NPA Regional Spokesperson. “This sentence sends a clear message: The law will not be lenient with perpetrators who violate the peace and security of our communities. The NPA remains committed to securing convictions and imposing appropriate punishments that deter future crimes."

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
MSenokoatsane@npa.gov.za
073 423 3539