By Maile Matsimela
The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has strongly condemned the brutal attacks on farmers and welcomes the sentencing of the individuals responsible for the heinous assault on a female farmer, Mimi Jacobs, at her farm in 2020.
The court sentenced Moeketsi Mphatlatsa (35) to 20 years of direct imprisonment following a targeted and violent farm attack on 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 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 they knew she lived alone, suggesting a premeditated and calculated assault.
“This horrific incident, among the most distressing to impact our province in recent years, sent shockwaves throughout the agricultural sector. It starkly exposed the vulnerability of farmers, particularly women who remain at the frontline of ensuring our nation’s food security,” said the department.
The department emphasised that these attacks, regardless of the victim’s race, gender or age, are a direct threat to rural stability, food production and job creation. “Every life lost or harmed in these senseless crimes is a devastating loss to both the community and the economy. The department is deeply concerned by the fear and uncertainty these crimes continue to instil among our farming communities.”
MEC Elzabe Rockman stated: “We condemn, in the strongest terms, all acts of violence against farmers. These crimes not only inflict deep personal harm but also undermine the tireless efforts of those who work daily to feed our province and country. We must protect our farmers – without them, our future is at risk.”
In solidarity with the Free State Women in Agriculture and Rural Development (FSWARD), DARD also extends its gratitude to law enforcement agencies and the justice system for their swift action in bringing the perpetrators to justice. The department applauds the courage of Jacobs, whose resilience and pursuit of justice have been a source of strength and inspiration for many.
“Let this sentencing serve as a reminder that acts of violence will not go unpunished – and that justice, though delayed, will prevail.”
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said despite her injuries, 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) said it welcomes the sentence, stating 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.
“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,” said Mojalefa Senokoatsane, NPA Regional Spokesperson.
