The Limpopo Division of the High Court has delivered hefty sentences for the two of the five accused in the murder of a 57-year-old farm owner, Hedrick Peterson.

Phuti Phineas Molongoane (39) was sentenced to life in prison and 15 years for housebreaking with an intent to commit robbery with aggravating circumstances yesterday.

He was further sentenced to 5 years for the possession of an illegal firearm. Both sentences will run concurrently.

His co-accused Thapelo Nickel Motsamai (25) was sentenced to 15 years in jail for housebreaking with an intent to commit robbery and aggravating circumstances. His sentences will also run concurrently.

Three other suspects in the matter will learn their fate today.

The five men attacked and severely injured Peterson on his farm in Afuguns, outside Lephalale, in 2017.

The victim was severely assaulted with various objects and was later discovered and rushed to hospital by a relative, where he was certified dead upon arrival. 

His assailants took Peterson’s two riffles, cellphones and other valuables and then fled the scene in his white Isuzu bakkie. 

The police immediately launched a manhunt and the suspects were arrested months later. – Report by Mahlatse Phaladi @Guru_Mahlatse