Pretoria – Raymond Steven Jan-Erick Smith (37) of Proclamation Hill has been sentenced to two life terms for two counts of murder, alongside additional prison terms for attempted murder and attempted robbery, following a violent attack on an elderly Pretoria couple and their family.
The Pretoria High Court handed down the sentence after Smith targeted the home of Gerald Cantello (74) and Lilian Janson (71) in January this year. Smith also received three years’ imprisonment for attempted murder and eight years for attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances, with all sentences ordered to run concurrently with life imprisonment. The court further declared Smith unfit to possess a firearm.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the ruling. “The sentence handed down reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed. Justice has been served for the victims and their family,” said a spokesperson for the NPA.
On 23 July 2025, the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) secured a preservation order against Smith’s 2011 Nissan X-Trail, valued at R65 000, which was used in committing the offences.
Smith’s attacks were premeditated. After seeing the couple’s home, valued at R2.7 million, advertised online, he contacted the estate agent posing as a potential buyer. He visited the property twice before returning on 27 January 2025 with the intent to rob the couple.
[SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR DOUBLE MURDER AND OTHER VIOLENT CRIMES]
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence handed down by the Pretoria High Court to a murderer Raymond Steven Jan-Erick Smith (37) of Proclamation Hill. Smith was sentenced to two life terms for… pic.twitter.com/594wMGsU1i
— Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (@CrimeWatch_RSA) September 9, 2025
When Mr Cantello opened the door, Smith assaulted him, tied him with a cable tie, and confined him in the toilet. Mrs Janson, who responded to the commotion, was similarly overpowered.
Smith then attacked their son, Grant James Cantello (47), and his wife Heidi (47), fatally stabbing both.
A 16-year-old boy, the son of the elderly couple, was also stabbed but managed to escape and call for help. Smith fled the scene but was arrested the following day while attempting to wash his bloodstained clothes.
In court, Smith pleaded guilty and requested a lenient sentence. Advocate Lawrance More, representing the State, successfully argued for life imprisonment.
“These murders were premeditated and planned over 11 days. Smith had multiple opportunities to desist but persisted. The victims were killed in their own home, a place where they should have felt safe,” More said.
Victim Impact Statements (VIS) highlighted the trauma endured by the surviving family members.
The 16-year-old survivor revealed the lasting effects on his life, saying he had to change schools, which affected his academic performance. Mr Cantello, who survived the attack, spent three weeks in hospital and remains immobile due to his injuries.
The judge ruled that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence, upholding the prescribed minimum sentences.
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Confirmed by Betha Madhomu
