On 16 September 2023, Jaco Wessels Kemp (36), Louise Coetzee (29), and Gert Frederik van der Westhuizen confronted Phakathi as he walked past the chicken farm to collect water from a nearby furrow. They assaulted him and dragged him into a storage facility on the farm, where the assault continued until he died. The following morning, police stopped Kemp and Coetzee on the R511 near Brits. Officers discovered black refuse bags in their bakkie, from which human legs were visible.
The bloodied body of Phakathi was recovered at the scene. Van der Westhuizen surrendered to police on 19 September after investigators linked him to the crime. All three accused had pleaded not guilty in court, attempting to shift blame onto each other. State Prosecutor Advocate Lawrence More presented evidence from witnesses, which the court found sufficient to convict the trio. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 16 March 2026. Lumka Mahanjana, NPA regional spokesperson, welcomed the verdict: “The conviction sends a clear message that violent crimes, especially those against vulnerable members of society, will not be tolerated.
The NPA remains committed to ensuring justice is served.” Photo caption suggestion: Police recover the body of Dumisani Phakathi in Mamokgalieskraal following the arrest of the three farmers. Short Facebook story: Three farmers have been convicted for the brutal murder of a farm dweller in Mamokgalieskraal. The NPA says the verdict shows violent crimes against vulnerable people will not go unpunished.
Teaser: Three farmers have been found guilty of murdering a farm dweller in Mamokgalieskraal after brutally assaulting him and attempting to dispose of his body. The National Prosecuting Authority says the verdict sends a strong message that violent crimes against vulnerable people will not be tolerated.
