Two years on from the disappearance of Sodwana Bay skipper John ‘Matambu’ Dercksen, the wounds have only deepened for the family, reports Zululand Observer.

This comes as recent answers to parliamentary questions provided fresh insight into the ‘comedy of errors’ that contributed to the abscondment of the only suspect in what is widely acknowledged to be Matambu’s murder.

As confirmed by Correctional Services Minister Dr Pieter Groenewald in a report provided in answer to parliamentary questions, Thomas Frederik ‘Ferdie’ Visser was granted parole in June 2024 despite having violated the terms of his original March 6, 2024, parole, 10 days prior to Matambu’s disappearance.

“The offender reached the minimum detention period and was assessed by the case management committee with the positive support system enabling him to serve the remainder of his sentence under community corrections,” read the report, referencing both the March and June 2024 paroles.

In both instances, Visser managed to flee.

While the report acknowledges that Visser was held at Qalakabusha Correctional Facility following his arrest in Mozambique in late March 2024 on allegations of murder, and his original parole revoked, it goes on to state that, “The mentioned offender was acquitted of his charges, hence he was again placed on parole on June 26, 2024.”

This is vehemently disputed by Cherie Eilertsen, Matambu’s sister, who continues to call for justice for her beloved brother.

“Only the fraud charge was withdrawn for further police investigation after Visser was supposed to appear at Manguzi Magistrate’s Court but failed to do so,” said Eilertsen.

The report also states that Visser attended a murder case at Manguzi Magistrate’s Court, which was later withdrawn by the state.

“That is simply untrue!” exclaimed Eilertsen.

“Visser didn’t even get to court, he hit his head against the inside of the police van, so he would have to be taken to hospital rather than face the family in court. I was there. He did not arrive.

“The fraud charge was withdrawn in absentia; the murder charge was never dropped.”

Comedy of errors

A report back provided by acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia confirmed that, as per information from Mbazwana SAPS, the murder case remains open for investigation.

This is just one example of apparent inconsistencies and lack of communication between the departments of correctional services and SAPS.

“This is a comedy of errors! How are we ever supposed to get justice for John and closure for ourselves, if suspects with pending cases against them are paroled without adequate monitoring?” asked Eilertsen.

As per the correctional services report, upon being granted parole, Visser was placed under house arrest and given 192 hours of community service at Tonga Community Corrections under the Barberton management area.

Despite being classified as a ‘high-risk category for monitoring’ as stated in the correctional services report, Visser still managed to abscond while carrying out community service in September 2024.

He remains at large.

Apart from being ‘circulated as a wanted person on the murder case’ as referenced in the SAPS report, there is also a warrant of arrest against Visser in connection with a Nelspruit sexual assault charge.

The apparent ease with which he absconded has caused Eilertsen and the rest of Matambu’s family to question the justice and parole system.

“We want to know who told the Department of Correctional Services that the murder charge against Visser had been withdrawn,” said Eilertsen.

“It’s even detailed in the National Prosecuting Authority’s statement at the time that it was the fraud case against him that was withdrawn because his extradition was not carried out in compliance with the Extradition Act 67 of 1962.”

While Eilertsen’s many questions go unanswered, the correctional services report did admit that the department is in the process of ‘reviewing the parole system to improve its functioning’.

The report also confirmed that electronic monitoring is in the process of being reinstated.

Both the departments of correctional services and SAPS were contacted for comment, but none was forthcoming at the time of publishing.

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