
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
11 October 2026 – An accused, Greyton Cloete (27) was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment by the Springbok Regional Court for murder and robbery of a farmer, Edward Coetsee (66) at Kalkfontein Farm in Okiep. The incident occurred on 12 November 2020, at approximately 2am, when two suspects allegedly entered the victim’s farmhouse and demanded money.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said when Coetsee informed them that he had no money, the suspects attempted to take his personal belongings before brutally assaulting him. Magerman said the victim sustained life-threatening injuries and was subsequently found and transported to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
“The suspects fled the scene with his personal belongings. In June 2023, following meticulous investigative work by Detective Captain Hermie Beukes, Cloete was apprehended and arrested. During the course of the investigation, he confessed to his involvement in the murder and robbery.
“Further investigative work, supported by DNA evidence, subsequently linked a second suspect to the crime. Both accused remained in custody. The Springbok Regional Court recently sentenced Cloete to 20 years imprisonment for murder, of which two years were suspended for five years, resulting in an effective sentence of 18 years imprisonment.
“He was also sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for robbery. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently. Cloete was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act,” he said.
Magerman further said the SAPS management in the Namakwa District commends Beukes for his dedication, perseverance and thorough investigative work, which contributed to securing the conviction and ensuring that the perpetrator was held accountable for his actions. He added that the SAPS remains committed to investigating serious and violent crimes and bringing perpetrators before the courts.
“This conviction serves as a reminder that, even when investigations are complex and justice takes time, the SAPS will continue to pursue cases to ensure accountability and justice for victims and their families,” said Magerman.

