No bail application was heard yesterday in the case of Garden Route artist Bevan van Druten (53), who stands accused of murdering his girlfriend, Nicky van Heerden (54), a week ago, due to the absence of legal representation.

George Herald reports that Van Heerden’s body was discovered at Rivertides near Keurbooms Beach last Sunday night after police responded to a report of a woman screaming.

Brief court appearance

Van Druten briefly appeared in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court at about 12:45 yesterday to be afforded the opportunity to secure legal representation. He was dressed in sheepskin slippers, a sleeveless T-shirt and baggy turquoise trousers.

A large group of people, mostly women, gathered at the court to protest against gender-based violence and to oppose bail.

Legal representation issues

The state informed the court that Carl Jeppe, a prominent Garden Route attorney, who Van Druten initially requested to represent him, had declined the brief. Van Druten then requested representation from a state-appointed attorney, making the request in Afrikaans.

Both the prosecutor and the state attorney subsequently asked the court for time to prepare.

Observation referral questioned

During the proceedings, the state informed the court that Van Druten had been referred to the district surgeon, who recommended that he be sent for observation. Magistrate Zukiswa Hans questioned the referral, noting that no court order had been issued authorising the district surgeon to make such a recommendation.

The court instructed the prosecutor to establish the reasons for the referral in the absence of a court order, after which the state withdrew its request.

The matter was postponed to Thursday, when Van Druten is expected to appear for a bail application.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.