“We finally have closure. Now, Uncle Reggie can rest in peace, and our healing can begin.”
These are the heartfelt words of Noelene Christians after the two accused were brought to justice for the brutal murder of well-known and respected Helderberg businessman, Reginald Gordon.
Gordon was killed in a house robbery in Enslin Street, Strand, five years ago. The incident sent shock waves through the broader community back in 2019 (“Verdagte voor ná moord op sakeman,” DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 28 February 2019).
Gordon’s body was found in his bedroom on the afternoon of Sunday 24 February. He had just celebrated his 82nd birthday with family and friends on 10 February.
The pensioner was found with multiple stab wounds to his body, including his neck. He was covered with a duvet, his hands and feet bound with cable ties. A blood-stained knife was also found at the scene.
The homeowner, who had left the lodger alone at home that Friday night, discovered the gruesome scene around 16:00 on Sunday, after returning from a weekend getaway. Two flat-screen TVs, jewellery, and the homeowner’s safe containing R235 000 in cash, were missing. The homeowner’s white Isuzu bakkie was also missing.
Police opened a case of murder and house robbery, and confirmed that the vehicle was found in a bushy area in Gordon’s Bay the Tuesday. The vehicle’s canopy was found in an informal settlement in Sir Lowry’s Pass the same day.
Further investigation led to the discovery of the looted clothes and jewellery, and later to the arrest of Jacobus Barendse and Ashley Diergal from Broadlands Park.
Last week, provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General (Adv) Thembisile Patekile, commended the efforts of the investigating officer who went the extra mile to ensure the conviction and sentencing of Diergal and Barendse, who were handed a hefty prison sentence in the Western Cape High Court.
Colonel Eddie Clark, attached to the provincial police’s Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, was commended for his meticulous investigation. With help from Detective Warrant Officer Estelle Wessenaar, Clark followed up all the leads at his disposal. The pair’s persistence was rewarded when they arrested Barendse on Tuesday 26 February, which paved the way for the arrest of Diergal (“Nog een vas ná steekmoord,” 7 Maart 2019).
The two made their first court appearances in the Strand Magistrates’ Court on charges of murder, aggravated robbery, and defeating the ends of justice. The matter was subsequently transferred to the Western Cape High Court.
“Both the accused blamed each other for the murder and accepted no accountability,” stated a media release.
After more than five and a half years, on Thursday 22 August, both accused were found guilty. Last Thursday (19 September), Barendse and Diergal were sentenced to life imprisonment each for the murder charge, 15 years for aggravated robbery, and eight years for defeating the ends of justice.
Christians welcomed the sentencing of the perpetrators who brutally murdered a loved one very dear to her family.
“Uncle Reggie was like a father to us. We were very close-knit, and while he lived in Strand, we would ensure he had cooked meals. The loss of such a great man and patriarchal figure was painful and took its toll, especially on my husband, Uncle Reggie’s nephew, and my children, who were traumatised.
“While the court case caused us much pain as we relived the trauma of his brutal killing, the sentencing has brought peace of mind and a sense of closure as the perpetrators are behind bars for robbing us of our beloved Uncle Reggie.”
Christians shared that her husband, Quinten was brought to tears, breaking down during the sentencing, thus concluding a heart-wrenching chapter.
“Uncle Reggie was everybody’s kind of person. Loved by the community as a respected businessman, who was once at the helm of a trucking business and later bus service, Gordon’s Passenger Transport. He was the go-to person for many in the transport industry looking for advice and needing assistance with parts or mechanics.
“He was a friendly, gentle giant. Strong-willed, but someone who would bend over backwards for the next person. He was the joker at parties. He is sorely missed by family, but especially the trucking and transport services community.”
