‘He deserves a harsh sentence’ – Family relieved as Taryn’s accused killer denied bail
It was an emotional moment at the Pinetown Magistrate's Court as father of deceased Taryn le Roux describes daughter as cherished and irreplaceable.
A MAN accused of murdering his partner Taryn le Roux at a pub in Westville on September 15 has been denied bail after the court found he posed a significant flight risk and was not a suitable candidate for release.
The ruling was handed down by Magistrate Wendolyn Robertson on Thursday in a packed courtroom where the accused, Nicolas le Roux, had his affidavit read out by his Legal Aid South Africa attorney Waseem Hoffese.
In his affidavit, Le Roux said that he had ‘fallen victim’ to unfair treatment and was being regarded as guilty before standing trial. He said he had no intention of fleeing the country and would comply with any bail conditions imposed.
Also read: Westville murder suspect abandons bail after Legal Aid’s withdrawal
Le Roux said he has three adult children aged 35 to 39 who still rely on his guidance, and that he financially supports his wife’s foster child, whom he described as deeply important to him. He argued that remaining in custody would cause him to lose his income and result in his insurance policies lapsing, leaving the foster child without support.
He portrayed himself as a gentle person who is devoted to protecting others through his work. He denied that the murder was planned and claimed that the victim’s family and the media were influencing public perception against him.
After the affidavit was read, Le Roux confirmed to the magistrate that its contents were true.
State opposes bail
Following a brief adjournment, the senior State prosecutor read an affidavit from the investigating officer, who strongly opposed bail. The State argued that the killing was a premeditated murder, revealing that the deceased had previously obtained a protection order against Le Roux.
Also read: Woman shot dead at Westville pub to be laid to rest on Thursday
The court heard that Le Roux had sent Taryn threatening messages, including “your life is at risk”. The senior advocate stated that on the day of her death, the couple had been out for lunch and drinks. He allegedly shot her at close range in the face. He then phoned people saying, “I have shot Tarryn in the face, she does not want to stop.” He remained at the scene afterward and placed his firearm on the table.
The State further argued that Le Roux did not voluntarily hand over his passport following the incident and that most of his assets had been sold. With Le Roux being a former special forces member, the prosecution said he was accustomed to violence, noting allegations that he had previously assaulted his ex-wife. The court also heard that he had attempted suicide by cutting his neck after his arrest.
Taryn’s foster son submitted his own affidavit, describing the accused as generally vulgar, controlling, and prone to threatening behaviour, including telling his mother that people like her ‘end up in the mortuary’.
Ruling welcomed
After considering both sides, Magistrate Robertson refused the bail application, noting there was little tying Le Roux to South Africa. The decision was met with applause from Taryn’s family, friends and supporters, and it brought visible emotion to the victim’s father, Vincent Barbarovich.
Speaking outside the courtroom, Barbarovich said the accused deserved a life sentence.
“He does not deserve anything else,” he said. “What he had wasn’t love, it was control, narcissism, bullying. To do that to a beautiful girl … he is not a man.”
He described Taryn as a “firecracker,” beloved and thoughtful, adding that she was his “everything” and his only daughter.
When asked what would be one last thing he would tell his daughter now, he broke down in tears: “Just be happy with Jesus, my darling. We will see you one day.”
Le Roux is expected to appear in court again on February 6.
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