Criminal histories revealed in Stellenbosch cemetery murder case

Two men charged with the murder of 77-year-old Johannes de Kokker appear in Stellenbosch court, highlighting concerns over repeat offenders. The National Prosecuting Authority has revealed that the two men accused of the brutal murder of 77-year-old Johannes de Kokker at a cemetery in Stellenbosch last month are not unfamiliar with the law. Darren Stephanus, 38, and Ryan Munnik, 20, appeared in the Stellenbosch Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday to face serious charges related to the murder.

Eric Ntabazalila, Regional Communications for the NPA, said Munnik had a warrant issued for his arrest for another matter when he allegedly committed the murder, while Stephanus has a criminal record.“Darren Stephanus (38) and Ryan Munnik (20) appeared at Stellenbosch Magistrate’s Court charged with the murder of 77-year-old Johannes de Kokker,” he said. Eric Ntabazalila, Regional Communications for the NPA, said Munnik had a warrant issued for his arrest for another matter when he allegedly committed the murder, while Stephanus has a criminal record. “Darren Stephanus (38) and Ryan Munnik (20) appeared at Stellenbosch Magistrate’s Court charged with the murder of 77-year-old Johannes de Kokker,” he said.

“Their case has been postponed until 19 February 2026 for a bail application.“It has come to light that Stephanus has a previous conviction (no details available at this stage), while his co-accused, Munnik, was out on bail of R400 for two counts of theft when he was arrested for the current murder charge.“ There was a warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear in court. “Their case has been postponed until 19 February 2026 for a bail application. “It has come to light that Stephanus has a previous conviction (no details available at this stage), while his co-accused, Munnik, was out on bail of R400 for two counts of theft when he was arrested for the current murder charge.

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“ There was a warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear in court. The State will oppose their Schedule 6 bail application.”The men have since chosen legal aid to represent them.

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