A Delft man who pleaded guilty to the horrific murder of an elderly couple in Parow has received a 65-year straf for his heinous crimes.
Reagan Fenner, 35, returned to the Bellville Regional Court this week where he pleaded guilty to bashing in their heads of Parow pensioners Betsy and Pieter Senekal.
The couple, both in their 70s, were declared dead on 20 November 2023 after it was found that two skurke had broken into their home in the middle of the night and brutally beat them to death during a house robbery.
The incident sent shockwaves through the quiet community of Parow Valley when the bodies of the couple were discovered, allegedly by a neighbour.
It is believed that a neighbour noticed the hole in the roof and inspected the property and found Betsy, 76, lying in one of the rooms while her husband, Pieter, 72, was found in a separate room.
Cops were called to the scene as concerned neighbours and workers from a local supermarket gathered.
The case was investigated by Lieutenant-Colonel Adrian Pretorius and cops went on the hunt for the two men.
Initially they busted Rudi Kruger and recovered the couple’s TV and groceries stolen from the home, while Fenner went on the run and was busted days later hiding at his mother’s house in Delft.
The duo were both remanded in custody at Goodwood Prison for more than a year and on Monday Fenner was sentenced to 25 years on each count of murder and 15 years for the robbery. He will serve an effective 25 years in prison.
Meanwhile, Kruger is set to return to court on 13 March for the appointment of a legal representative as he will go on trial.
Parow Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson, Bronwin Daniels, said the murders left ou mense in the community feeling vulnerable.
She explains: ‘The Parow CPF acknowledges the sentencing of Reagan Fenner in connection with the brutal and senseless murders of the couple.
"This heinous crime deeply impacted the Parow community, leaving residents - especially the elderly - feeling vulnerable and shaken."
She says that while no sentence can undo the trauma and loss they hope this conviction provides some measure of justice and closure to the Senekal family and all those affected.
Ward councillor Franchesca Walker, lauded the sentencing.
He adds: ‘I welcome the sentencing and it shows that justice is served for the seniors.
"I trust that the family will find peace and comfort with their passing. I hope that this will be a warning to those harming our seniors."
