By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
12 September 2024- A man (56) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Kimberley High Court for murder. This comes after the accused, Derrick Fyvers killed a man (29) in Verwoerd Park in Kimberley on 8 September 2016.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said Fyvers and his accomplice, approached a well-known guesthouse in Green Street in Verwoerd Park, Kimberley under false pretence. Sam said they pretended to be guests, who were looking for accommodation, but their intent was to rob the guesthouse at gunpoint.
“The deceased who was awoken by a commotion and the screaming of the receptionist, was fatally shot when he went to investigate. Fyvers, who is a repeat offender, was arrested and found guilty.
“He was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, life imprisonment for murder, 10 years imprisonment for possession of an illegal firearm and additional 10 years imprisonment for possession of ammunition,” he said.
Sam further said Fyvers’ accomplice, Marlon Koopman (40), was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances He added that both accused were declared unfit to possess firearms.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola said she is delighted and welcomed the life imprisonment sentence handed down to the accused. Otola praised the Serious and Violent Crimes Investigating Officers, Detective Lt Colonel Basil Buys and Detective Warrant Officer Patrick Dibebe, for their thorough and meticulous investigation of the case ensuring the lifelong incarceration of Fyvers.
“The police remain focused in ensuring that justice is served for victims of violent crimes by strengthening the investigative capacity of the police. The police are encouraging the public to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services” she said.
The Guardian 