Four suspects have been convicted in connection with the murder of a 37-year-old man in Somerset West, following a three-year investigation.
On Tuesday 4 January 2022, around 17:30, police responded to reports of an injured man in Sergeant Street, Somerset West. The victim, Roquet Hindly, who had no fixed address, was initially transported to Tygerberg Hospital for emergency medical treatment before being transferred to Helderberg Hospital, where he died from his injuries.
What initially began as an inquest was subsequently reclassified as a murder investigation. The case was assigned to Detective Sergeant Warren Pietersen, who conducted an extensive investigation that led to the arrest of four suspects.
The matter proceeded through the Somerset West Regional Court, culminating in convictions on Friday 5 December 2025. Three suspects were found guilty of murder: Romano Present (23) of Somerset West, Peter de Nett (26) of Temperance Town and Lee-Ashwin Heeger (21) of Somerset West.
A fourth suspect, Augustine Meintjies (25) of Temperance Town, was convicted of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, suspended for five years on condition that he not be found guilty of a similar offence.
Somerset West police station commander Colonel Jacolize Fleischmann commended Pietersen for his outstanding work and dedication throughout the investigation and trial process.
