The George Regional Court has sentenced Andrew Willem Fleming to 27 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of his wife, Karin.
The court found compelling and substantial circumstances which allowed it to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the court ordered Fleming to serve 18 years before being placed on parole.
The couple, married for 14 years, reportedly had problems as the wife’s family interfered in their marriage.
“The Sunday before the incident, the wife received a call from her niece, requesting her to take their dog to Wilderness to visit her, to which she agreed. After consulting Fleming he told her he does not think she should go as her niece has an issue with him; she previously swore at him and told him they would get divorced. The wife called her niece and informed her that she was not going to visit.”
Fleming apparently decided to go to the shop and found his wife crying when he returned. According to Ntabazalila, Karin apologised to him for how her family treated him and suggested they leave George.
“On April 26, 2023, she planned to attend a brunch with her mother and sister. He asked her not to go as she always returned upset and hurt after visiting them. She assured him she could handle. However, she was sad when she returned.
“The following morning, April 27, 2023, she asked him if he was cross with her. He claims that was the worst for him as he was awoken only to be reminded of her family interfering in their otherwise happy marriage.
“He jumped on her while she was lying on the bed, and they fell off the bed causing a knife and a light stand to fall to the floor. He picked up the knife and began stabbing her. He is uncertain how many times he stabbed her. She stopped screaming and he felt for her pulse – she was no longer alive,” Ntabazalila said.
Fleming washed his hands, dressed himself and walked to the police station where he reported he had murdered his wife. He took the police to the scene and was arrested.
“He admitted that he had no justifiable reason to stab her and knew that his actions were unlawful and punishable by law. He had insight into his actions, could distinguish between right and wrong, and could conduct himself according to this distinction,” Ntabazalila said.
The court heard that the 43-year-old was diagnosed with depression 22 years ago for which he received medical attention.
At the age of 20 years, he was diagnosed with bipolar mood disorder and continues to receive medical treatment. Fleming also had a troubled upbringing and later experimented with drugs. He also abused alcohol but has been sober for seven years, Ntabazalila said.
“The substantial and compelling circumstances the court took into consideration which justify a sentence other than the prescribed sentence of life, were that he admitted guilt and showed remorse. He is also a first offender for violent crimes and is not involved in crime otherwise. The offence was not planned or premeditated and he handed himself over to the police immediately after the incident and made a full confession to a police officer,” Ntabazalila said.
Cape Times