NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said in November 2021, Christian van Tonder (29) sold 31 head of cattle to Jaco Botha. After taking possession of the cattle, Botha asked him to accompany him in Van Tonder’s vehicle to a remote area near the Theoville plots in Barrage, where Botha said they would finalise payment for the livestock.

Upon arriving at the location, Botha shot and killed Van Tonder while he was seated in his bakkie.

Later that same day, members of the Barrage Neighbourhood Watch discovered the vehicle with Van Tonder’s body inside and reported the matter to police. “After extensive investigation, Botha was arrested on 29 August 2023.”

Christian van Tonder. Photo: South Coast Herald

The Pretoria High Court sentenced Botha to life imprisonment for the premeditated murder of Van Tonder. The court also sentenced Botha to ten years’ imprisonment for theft of cattle, seven years for possession of an unlicensed firearm and three years for possession of ammunition. All three sentences will run concurrently with the life sentence.

During the trial, Botha pleaded not guilty to all charges and denied any involvement in the offences. State prosecutor Advocate Jennifer Cronje argued during sentencing Botha had shown no remorse and the murder had been carefully planned.

She submitted that Van Tonder had been lured to a secluded gravel road, where he was murdered for financial gain. Cronje also told the court Van Tonder’s mother continues to suffer severe psychological trauma following the loss of her son.

Mahanjana said the court agreed with the state’s submissions, finding Botha had shown no remorse and the murder had caused profound and lasting harm to Van Tonder’s family.

“The court also found that Botha was not the sole provider for his children, who were adequately cared for by their respective mothers.” The court emphasised murder remains one of the most serious offences that can be committed, as it reflects a blatant disregard for the sanctity of human life.

The court also noted the need for stern sentences to deter violent crime and highlighted livestock theft and the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition as serious offences in South Africa. Mahanjana said the court consequently found there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence.

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