Jannie Borman. (Photo: Provided)
Jannie Borman, a well-known racehorse trainer, was murdered on Saturday evening when he was allegedly attacked with a shovel in his home on the Vaal Racecourse.
A 55-year-old employee of Borman was arrested for the murder.
Borman’s son, Jan-Hendrik (34), says he still spoke to his father on the phone on Thursday. His sisters, Jolandie Hunter (42) and Rozane Borman (39) still spoke to their father on the phone on Saturday.
Jan-Hendrik, who farms in the Northern Cape, and Jolandi were on their way from the Northern Cape to the Vaal on Monday morning. Jan-Hendrik says they had just finished barbecuing on Saturday evening when they got the news.
Sgt. Josephine Rani, police spokesperson, says there were several injuries to Borman’s upper body. “A friend who found him in the living room informed the police. His hands and feet were tied with copper wire and cable wire was around his neck.
She says it appears that Borman and the suspect, who lived on the same premises, got involved in an altercation about horse racing winnings that evening at 20:04, when the suspect attacked Borman with a spade.
Jan-Hendrik says the suspect worked for his father for many years when he still lived in Kimberley. Borman moved to the Vaal during the Covid-19 lockdown.
He describes his father as someone who liked to make a joke. He also liked to bake. “My father always baked bread and cake. On Saturday he still baked a cake.”
Jannie with his children, Jolandi Hunter, Rozane Borman and Jan-Hendrik Borman. (Photo: Provided)
Jan-Hendrik says his father loved his five grandchildren very much.
Jannie Borman has five grandchildren. (Photo: Provided)
Leon Lotz, horse trainer from Middelburg in the Eastern Cape, says Borman treated the suspect like his own child. “I can’t tell you where my emotions are this morning.”
The suspect is expected to appear in the Sasolburg Magistrate’s Court soon.
Sahracing.com reports that Borman’s journey in the horse community began alongside his stepfather, Henry Sham, on a farm in Postmasburg. Sham was also involved with horses in Kimberley and Bloemfontein.
Borman started working on his own in 1997 in Bloemfontein. In 2005 he moved to Kimberley, where he was often seen at Flamingopark and achieved success.
The cake that Jannie baked at the weekend. He sent his daughter this photo. (Photo: Provided)
The website reports that Borman moved to the Vaal River in the late 2020s. “He had a special knack for rehabilitating difficult horses and performed beyond expectations. He was widely regarded in the Vaal training ranks as a skilled rider and a beloved colleague whose presence added character to the community.”
“His death leaves a void that will be felt across the local racing landscape.”
The website reports that Borman’s contribution to South African racing, built on resilience, quiet determination and a deep connection with his horses, will not be forgotten.