Key Takeaways:
- Ragel Baardman, a 38-year-old woman from Calvinia, has been convicted of murdering her uncle, Jan Müller, and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
- Baardman was accused of stabbing her uncle with an okapi during an argument in 2020 and went into hiding for five years after being released on bail.
- A warrant was issued for her arrest, and she was eventually found in the Zonnebloem informal settlement in August 2025.
- The sentencing was welcomed by the provincial commissioner of the Northern Cape, who commended the detective sergeant for her diligent investigative work.
- The case highlights the importance of perseverance and dedication in bringing criminals to justice, as the accused attempted to evade capture and use delaying tactics.
Introduction to the Case
The case of Ragel Baardman, a 38-year-old woman from Calvinia, is a shocking example of a brutal murder and a lengthy attempt to evade justice. On 9 December 2025, Baardman was convicted of murdering her uncle, Jan Müller, who was 47 years old at the time of his death. The incident occurred on 3 June 2020, during an argument between Baardman and her uncle, which turned deadly when she allegedly armed herself with an okapi and stabbed him in the chest. The uncle later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, leaving behind a trail of shock and grief for the family.
The Investigation and Arrest
The police investigation into the murder led to the arrest of Baardman, who was 32 years old at the time. She appeared in court in Calvinia and was released on bail, but instead of facing the consequences of her actions, she chose to go on the run. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued, and the police launched a search for her. The accused managed to evade capture for five years, during which time she likely attempted to lay low and avoid detection. However, the police remained determined to bring her to justice, and their efforts eventually paid off. Information provided by the public led the police to the Zonnebloem informal settlement, where Baardman was finally found and arrested on 25 August 2025.
The Sentencing and Reaction
Baardman was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with five years suspended for five years. The sentencing was a significant moment in the case, marking the end of a long and arduous journey for the family of the victim and the police who worked tirelessly to bring the accused to justice. Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, the provincial commissioner of the Northern Cape, welcomed the sentencing and commended detective sergeant Brigette van Wyk of the Calvinia investigation unit for her diligent investigative work. The sentencing serves as a reminder that justice can be slow, but it will eventually catch up with those who attempt to evade it. A well-known cop from Calvinia noted that the case highlights the importance of perseverance and dedication in bringing criminals to justice, saying, "You can run away, can wegkruip, can use any delaying tactic, or constantly change lawyers, but the lang arm van die reg will get you in the end."
Conclusion and Reflection
The case of Ragel Baardman is a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of accountability. The fact that Baardman was able to evade capture for five years is a concern, but the eventual outcome of the case demonstrates that justice can be served, even if it takes time. The dedication and perseverance of the police, particularly detective sergeant Brigette van Wyk, were instrumental in bringing the accused to justice. As the provincial commissioner noted, the sentencing is a welcome outcome, and it serves as a reminder that the law will ultimately catch up with those who attempt to evade it. The case also highlights the need for continued support and resources for the police and the justice system to ensure that cases like this are brought to a swift and just conclusion.
