In one of the most heartbreaking and disturbing cases to hit the Western Cape, 39-year-old Drezene Jonkerman has been sentenced to 20 years direct imprisonment for the brutal murder of her 7-year-old son, Ashwin — a crime committed on her own birthday
A Birthday That Turned Deadly
According to court testimony, the horrifying events unfolded on 11 August 2024, which also happened to be D
As she bathed Ashwin, Drezene told the court that she suddenly became overwhelmed by emotion, claiming she saw the face of Ashwin’s father in him — a man she said had been abusive during their past relationship.Blinded by rage and trauma, she strangled her own son, placed his body in the bedroom, and proceeded to attend church as if nothing had happened.
Return to a Silent Home
Upon returning from church, Drezene found Ashwin exactly where she had left him — lifeless. She called a neighbour and emergency services, but it was too late. The child had died from manual strangulation.
She later admitted in court that she knowingly intended to kill the boy and understood her actions could result in his death. She also admitted she had no lawful justification for the act.
The Court Speaks: No Excuse for Murder
Though Drezene pleaded trauma and addiction, state prosecutor Goulding Hyron revealed that no formal charges had ever been laid against Ashwin’s father for abuse or assault. The court concluded that her explanation was not enough to justify the murder.
Judge Matodza Molefe acknowledged the complexity of addiction and trauma but said it does not excuse killing a defenceless child. He called the murder “heinous and uncalled for” and reflected on the emotional destruction left behind — especially for Ashwin’s grieving father and siblings.
The judge sentenced her to 25 years in prison, suspending five years on the condition that she does not commit another murder. She must serve at least two-thirds of her sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Additionally, she has been declared unfit to work with children or own a firearm once released.
A Wake-Up Call for Society
Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Nicolette Bell, strongly condemned the act, calling it a “callous and senseless killing.” She also stressed the urgent need for better mental health support, addiction treatment, and child protection services:
“This case underscores the devastating consequences of untreated addiction and unresolved trauma. But nothing — absolutely nothing — can justify a mother murdering her own child.”
A Life Lost, A Community Shaken
Ashwin’s death is a devastating reminder of what happens when cycles of abuse, addiction, and mental health struggles go unaddressed. As the community of Oudtshoorn continues to grieve, the focus must now shift toward ensuring that no other child suffers the same fate.
