Vaal, South Africa – The South African horseracing community is in mourning following the brutal murder of veteran trainer Jannie Borman at his home on the Vaal Training Centre on Saturday evening, 4 April 2026.
As bl on wh attacks increase of these genocidal attacks, we ask every wh farmer/urbanizer to be prepared and check your surroundings.
Jannie Borman, 73, was discovered in his living room with multiple torso injuries. His hands and feet had been bound with copper wire, and a cable wire was wrapped around his neck. The grim discovery sent shockwaves through the tight-knit racing fraternity, with news breaking on Easter Sunday morning.
A man has been arrested by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in connection with the incident. Details of the motive or circumstances surrounding the attack have not yet been publicly released, and investigations are ongoing.
South African farmer, Jannie Bornman has been murdered with a shovel.
— Rieb van Janbeeck (@RiebvJanbeeck) April 6, 2026
His hands and feet were tied with wire and there was a cable around his neck.
A long-term farm worker has been arrested.
RIP. https://t.co/26L1S5snqQ pic.twitter.com/6hYShdvn1B
A Life Dedicated to Horses
Borman was a well-respected figure in South African racing circles, known particularly for his work with horses and his resilience in the industry. He began working with racehorses as a teenager alongside his stepfather, Henry Sham, on a farm in Postmasburg. He took out his own trainer’s licence in 1997 and initially operated from Bloemfontein with a string of 18 horses, supported by prominent industry names including the late Stefaan Botha and Faan Mynhardt. Early successes included horses such as Pounds For Pennies and Enchanted Angel.
In 2005, he relocated to Kimberley, where he enjoyed consistent success at Flamingo Park in the Northern Cape. Following the closure of that venue in late 2020, Borman moved his operation to the Vaal, adapting once again to continue training a small string of horses. Colleagues remembered him as someone who “lived for his horses.”
His wife, Emmie Lensley, described him as a “colourful person” who loved baking and had a background in rugby, having played for Griquas. “It is a very sad and terrible time for all who knew Jannie,” she told Sporting Post.
Tributes Pour In
Tributes have flooded in from across the racing community, highlighting Borman’s dedication and personality. Many described the loss as a sobering blow to the sport, with comments noting his long career and the respect he commanded despite operating a relatively modest stable in recent years.
Borman is survived by a son and daughter in Kathu in the Northern Cape, another daughter in Cape Town, and five grandchildren.
The incident has cast a shadow over Easter weekend racing activities, with several industry platforms acknowledging the tragedy while proceedings continued at other venues.
Police have urged anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues. No further details on the arrested suspect have been released at this stage.
This article is based on reports from Sporting Post, 4Racing, SA Horseracing, and other racing media outlets.
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