Farm murderers severely punished

14 July 2023

The civil rights organisation AfriForum supported the family of the Nieuwoudt couple, who were attacked on their smallholding near Hammanskraal almost three years ago, in court this week. Judge Papi Masopa today imposed heavy sentences on the three murderers.

Lawrence Refemate Makhubela (52), Cornelius Makatu (38) and Jacob Maponyane Seokola (48) were earlier found guilty on charges of premeditated murder of 75-year-old Dries Nieuwoudt and attempted murder of his 71-year-old wife, Mariaan. They were also found guilty on a charge of robbery with aggravating circumstances. Makhubela was also found guilty on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Makhubela was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, seven years for attempted murder, 15 years for robbery, five years for possession of an illegal firearm and five years for illegal possession of ammunition.

Makatu and Seokola were both sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, seven years for attempted murder and 15 years for robbery.

The murderers were out on parole when they committed these crimes days before Christmas in December 2020.

“We are grateful for the thorough investigative work that led to the sentencing, especially for the local security structures that acted in readiness after the attack. Although nothing can fill the void left by the loss of a loved one under such circumstances, we hope that the Nieuwoudt family can begin their path of healing now, knowing that the three murderers will be behind bars for a long time,” says Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s spokesperson for Community Safety.

Issued by Jacques Broodryk, Spokesperson: Community Safety, AfriForum, 14 July 2023