Man, 37, sentenced to life for murder

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A 37-year-old man from Proclamation Hill has been sentenced to life for double murder and other violent crimes by the Pretoria high court.

Raymond Steven Jan-Erick Smith was sentenced to two life terms for two counts of murder, three years’ imprisonment for attempted murder, and eight years’ imprisonment for attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, the court ordered that the sentences run concurrently with life imprisonment and he was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Adding that on 23 July 2025, the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) secured a preservation order against his 2011 model Nissan X-Trail, valued at R65 000, which was used in the commission of the crimes.

“Smith targeted the home of an elderly couple, Gerald Cantello, 74, and Lilian Janson, 71, after seeing their house valued at R2.7 million advertised for sale online. The advert included images showing several televisions and electronic devices, which attracted Smith’s attention.

“He contacted the estate agent under the pretence of being a potential buyer and visited the property on 16 January 2025 and again on 20 January 2025. On his third visit, 27 January 2025, around 18h00, he arrived with the intention of robbing the couple.

“When Mr Cantello opened the door, Smith assaulted him, forced him into the toilet, and tied his hands with a cable tie. Mrs Janson, upon hearing the commotion, came to investigate, but Smith overpowered her, tied her up, and forced a rubber ball into both their mouths,” she explained.

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Mahanjana revealed that the couple’s son, Grant James Cantello, 47, and his wife, Heidi Cantello, 47, who lived on the same premises, heard the screams and rushed into the house.

She continued; “Smith attacked them with a knife, fatally stabbing both on the scene. A 16-year-old boy, the son of the deceased couple, also tried to intervene but was stabbed.

“He managed to escape, locked himself in his bedroom, and called for help. Smith fled but was arrested the following day, 28 January 2025, at his residence while attempting to wash his bloodstained clothes.”

Requested for lenient sentence

Mahanjana stated that in court, Smith pleaded guilty and requested a lenient sentence, asking the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences. However, State Advocate Lawrence More, successfully argued for life imprisonment.

“More emphasised that: The murders were premeditated, planned over 11 days, Smith had multiple opportunities to desist but persisted, the victims were killed in their own home, where they were supposed to feel safe.

“The court also considered Victim Impact Statements (VIS) facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Lebogang Lebese.

“The 16-year-old survivor revealed the severe trauma he suffered, including having to change schools, which negatively affected his academic performance. Mr Cantello, who survived, spent three weeks in hospital and remains immobile due to his injuries.

“The judge found no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence and ruled that the prescribed minimum sentences were appropriate,” she concluded.