Hartswater: The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the Provincial Detectives, Colonel Jeffrey Kanakang and Lieutenant Colonel Basil Buys, for their meticulous investigation that led to the incarceration of the three murder accused by the Kimberley High Court on Friday, 07 March 2025.

According to South African Police Service, on 26 July 2020, the victims, Mr. Daniel Brand (83), his wife Breggie Brand (73), and their daughter Elsabie Brand (54), were at their residence at Plot 2M9 farm, Magogong near Hartswater when they were violently attacked by the accused Donald Mothusemang Seoloseng, Tsepo Visagie, and Tshepaone Melato. The victims suffered blunt and sharp force trauma injuries to their heads and bodies and were robbed of their property, including two vehicles, a Nissan Micra and Mazda 5, three laptops, cellphones, and a handbag with personal belongings. They were found dead on 28 July 2020.

The suspects were arrested by the Provincial Detectives and Hartswater K9 members while on their way to sell the deceased’s personal belongings. The investigating officers, Colonel Jeffrey Kanakang and Lieutenant Colonel Basil Buys, recovered all stolen property.

The Kimberley High Court sentenced Tshepaone Melato (24), Donald Seolesang (25), and Tshepo Visagie (43) each to 25 years imprisonment for murder, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, and 5 years for defeating the ends of justice. Additionally, Donald Mothusemang Seoleseng received 2 more years for escaping from lawful custody. The sentences for defeating the ends of justice and escaping from lawful custody will run concurrently with the murder and robbery sentences.

The Provincial Commissioner welcomed the Kimberley High Court judgment and reassured communities that crimes against the elderly remain the priority of the police in the province and will be vigorously policed and investigated.