ALTHOUGH they will never again see their daughter’s bright smile, the family of Taryn le Roux said they can finally sleep peacefully after her killer, Nicolaas le Roux, was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Le Roux shot his wife in broad daylight at a popular pub on Jan Hofmeyr Road in Westville in September last year.

The matter was recently transferred to the Durban High Court after an indictment was served in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court.

Le Roux, a former member of the SA National Defence Force Special Forces unit, entered into a plea and sentence agreement.

Also read: Watch: Westville pub murder accused appears in Durban High Court

During proceedings, State prosecutor Krishen Shah read the agreement into the record, including post-mortem and ballistic reports submitted as exhibits.

Le Roux pleaded guilty to all five charges against him, including murder and the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

According to the State, the murder was premeditated and stemmed from a history of domestic violence within the marriage.

After the agreement was read, the judge asked Le Roux how he pleaded. He responded: “Guilty.”

The court also confirmed that he had read and understood the plea agreement, entered into it voluntarily, and was of sober mind when doing so.

Le Roux further confirmed the background facts surrounding the incident.

Also read: ‘He deserves a harsh sentence’ – Family relieved as Taryn’s accused killer denied bail

On the day of the murder, Le Roux and the deceased had reportedly argued. After tensions eased, the couple decided to go for lunch at the pub.

During lunch, another argument allegedly broke out. The State said Le Roux walked out of the establishment before later returning. He then allegedly told the deceased to “call the police” before shooting her in the head, killing her instantly.

Le Roux remained at the scene and later surrendered to authorities.

Following his arrest, two additional firearms were seized from his home.

His Legal Aid attorney also confirmed the contents of the plea agreement.

Handing down sentence, Bruce Bedderson said he was satisfied with the agreement and found Le Roux guilty on all five counts.

In considering sentence, the court took into account Le Roux’s age, 63, his status as a first-time offender, and the fact that he had pleaded guilty without wasting the court’s time.

Also read: Bail hearing postponed after Westville murder suspect fails to ‘show up’

“You did not waste the court’s time and pleaded guilty,” the judge said.

Le Roux was sentenced to 22 years for murder (Count 1), three years each for Counts 2, 3 and 4 and 12 months for Count 5.

The sentences on the remaining counts will run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment.

Describing the killing as “barbaric” and “heinous,” Bedderson condemned Le Roux’s actions.

“You were careless. A mature man of your age did not have to act that way, no matter the circumstances,” he said.

Just before proceedings concluded, Le Roux’s attorney asked the court if his client could address Taryn’s father, Vincent Barbarovich.

Standing in the witness box and facing Barbarovich, Le Roux broke down in tears.

@caxtonlocalmedia Taryn Le Roux’s family can finally find some peace after her killer, Nicolaas Le Roux, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for her murder. The 63-year-old former soldier shot his wife in a Westville pub last year, and his guilty plea brought some closure to the family. #highwaymail #westvillemurder #durbannews ♬ original sound – caxtonlocalmedia

“There are no words I can say to show how sorry I am,” he said. “I loved and adored your daughter. We tried to save our marriage. Even the church prayed for us to help solve our issues.”

Looking upward, he added: “Taryn… fly high my angel, fly with the angels.”

As he was led back to the holding cells, Le Roux again apologised to Barbarovich and Taryn’s foster son, saying: “I am sorry with all my heart.”

Speaking after the sentencing, Barbarovich said the family was satisfied with the outcome, even though it would never bring their daughter back.

“We are happy with the outcome. We signed a plea agreement for 22 years, but the judge felt it was not enough and added three more years,” he said.

“Our lives will never be the same again. We miss her joy and presence every day.”

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