‘I promised Ashwin I wouldn’t rest until justice was served for his death, and now, after eight long years, we have finally come full circle.” These were the emotional words of a relieved Stephanie Cloete after the sentencing of her son’s killer and his co-accused in the Northern Cape High Court in Kimberley this week.
“I PROMISED Ashwin I wouldn’t rest until justice was served for his death, and now, after eight long years, we have finally come full circle.” These were the emotional words of a relieved Stephanie Cloete after the sentencing of her son’s killer, Derrick Fyfers, and his co-accused, Marlin Koopman, in the Northern Cape High Court in Kimberley this week.
Cloete’s son, Ashwin Malan, was fatally shot on September 8, 2016, at her business, Atlantis Guest House, in Green Street, West End.
Fyfers, who was convicted of the murder, received a life sentence, along with additional sentences: five years for attempted robbery and 10 years each for possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition. These sentences will run concurrently.
Koopman was sentenced to five years for attempted robbery for his role in the incident. Both men were declared unfit to own a firearm.
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Cloete expressed relief that the court acknowledged the immense trauma her family endured.
“These past eight years have been incredibly difficult, but I had to persevere because I promised Ashwin we wouldn’t rest until justice was done. I was in shock and screamed when the judge handed down a life sentence to the man who killed my son. Some might say that no prison sentence can bring back a life, and they’re right, but we are fortunate that the person responsible is being punished. So many families never see justice for their loved ones.”
She continued, “The judge didn’t mince his words during sentencing. He told the accused they had taken my son’s life just as he was reaching the prime of his life and his career. He even remarked that Ashwin might have contributed to solving the load shedding crisis the country faces today. It felt as if the judge knew my son personally because Ashwin was so dedicated and diligent in his career. We always knew he would have achieved great things.”
Reflecting on the tragedy, Cloete added, “Ashwin was killed at home, and that speaks to who he was – he wasn’t someone who lived his life out on the streets. It’s devastating that he had to die in such a horrible way.”
As she wiped tears from her eyes, she said, “No parent ever imagines they’ll bury their child. You expect your children to outlive you. I lost my only son, and I had so many aspirations for him. However, he’s left us with wonderful memories, and that’s all we can hold on to. Even though the trial is over, it doesn’t mean we’ll just forget Ashwin and move on. The hole this incident has left in our hearts will probably never heal.”
Cloete also praised the efforts of the investigating and prosecuting teams who ensured justice was served. “The prosecutors and investigators gave everything to this case, and after all these years, they helped us find justice. My family is deeply grateful for their hard work.”
Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam echoed this sentiment, stating that the provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otla, welcomed the sentencing and praised the investigating team.
“Lieutenant-General Otla commended the Serious and Violent Crimes investigating officers, Detective Warrant Officer Patrick Dibebe and Lieutenant-Colonel Basil Buys, for their thorough and meticulous investigation, which led to the lifelong incarceration of Fyfers. The police remain committed to ensuring justice for victims of violent crimes by strengthening our investigative capacities,” said Sam.
