Son sentenced to 25 years for killing his mother

Ruan van Heerden (20) was sentenced to 25 years direct imprisonment for murdering his mother, Magda, after he stabbed her 36 times in January 2020 at their residence in Centurion.

Magda died in October 2021 after she spent months in hospital fighting for her life after the attack.

Rekord reported in January 2020 that Ruan and his friend, Colson Williams Phelph, were arrested for attacking Magda and her husband, Barney, at their home.

Barney was also stabbed and assaulted with a golf club several times, which left him with a fractured arm.

Ruan was 18 years old when he committed the crime and Phelph was 20.

The NPA announced on May 25 that they welcomed Ruan’s sentencing, handed down by the Pretoria regional court.

NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said this was after Ruan pleaded guilty to murder, attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Before Ruan and Phelph fled the scene, they stole his parents’ Nissan NP200, a CCTV recording device, a wallet, a cellphone and six boxes of cigarettes.

Mahanjana said Phelph has not been sentenced yet.

“Phelph requested to be sent to the Weskoppies psychiatric hospital for mental observations, but his psychiatric results revealed that he is fit to stand trial.

“Phelph’s trial will, therefore, start on June 10,” she said.

Barney said he was severely traumatised and received treatment for depression and anxiety.

“Before his wife died, he had to take care of her with no knowledge of how to look after a frail patient. He further said this incident has left him a widower and childless,” Mahanjana said.

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