73-Year-Old Horse Trainer Beaten To Death By Longtime Worker

Well-known horse trainer Jannie Borman, 73, was allegedly beaten to death with a spade at the Vaal Racecourse on Saturday evening.

Police said the incident occurred shortly after 20:00 at the racing venue in Viljoensdrif, near Vereeniging.

According to police spokesperson Josephine Rani, Borman and a 53-year-old man — believed to have worked for him for years — had been drinking when an argument broke out over horse racing winnings.

“The argument escalated, resulting in the suspect allegedly assaulting the victim with a spade,” Rani said.

The suspect later reported the incident to a security officer. Emergency services were contacted, but Borman was declared dead at the scene.

The suspect has been arrested and is expected to appear in the Sasolburg Magistrate’s Court.

Family Thought News Was a Joke Before Reality Hit

Borman’s children said they initially believed the news of his death was a prank, describing their father as humorous and full of life.

“But unfortunately, it was no joke,” said his son, Jan-Hendrik.

“Though it still feels very much unreal, it sadly is.

“My dad was an affectionate giant, a true teddy bear, and to lose such a great man is just the saddest thing ever.”

His daughter, Jolandie, said the family is still too traumatised to attend court proceedings.

“We are angry, we are frustrated… we are not ready to look him in the eye. My dad did not deserve to die like this.”

Suspect Described as ‘Part of the Family’

The family revealed that the accused had lived and worked with Borman for nearly two decades.

“My dad and this man would eat at the same table,” Jan-Hendrik said.

“My dad looked after him for about 20 years.”

Jolandie added: “Our kids knew him, everyone knew him, so he was not a stranger.”

Horse Trainer’s Final Cake Photo Becomes Heartbreaking Memory

Just hours before his death, Borman sent his children a photo of a strawberry and chocolate cake he had baked.

“He sent it to show he was thinking of us, that he loved us,” Jolandie said.

The family, who were on a fishing trip in the Northern Cape at the time, had limited cellphone signal and did not immediately respond.

“It is the last thing we will ever see from him,” Jan-Hendrik said.

Borman was remembered as a loving father and grandfather who expressed his affection through simple gestures like baking.

“He loved baking… that’s how he showed he loved us,” his son added.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Families Homeless And Two Dead After Freak Storm Devastates KwaBhaca

Borman had been involved in horse training since 1997 and was widely respected in the industry for his skill and dedication.

“He was a horse whisperer,” Jan-Hendrik said.

“People would say a horse would never become anything, and he would prove them wrong. He just had a gift.”

Industry platform SAHracing.com said his death has left a void in the racing community, describing him as a well-liked figure whose contribution would not be forgotten.

Police confirmed that investigations into the murder are ongoing.