Bevan van Druten (53), who stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Nicky van Heerden (54), appeared in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court today.

Mossel Bay Advertiser reports the hearing’s purpose was to receive feedback following a psychiatric evaluation ordered for Van Druten at Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital in Cape Town. However, he has not yet been transferred.

Van Druten, who was dressed in black and appeared timid, stood with his arms stretched out throughout the hearing.

Waiting list for evaluation

Defence attorney Linda Mfuduka told the court Van Druten is currently listed as number 60 on the waiting list for a bed at Valkenberg and submitted that the matter was not being expedited.

He said with the current status, it may take up to a year before the evaluation is completed. He requested that the matter be expedited.

Akona Ntobesa, the acting state prosecutor, argued in response that the matter was being expedited, as most new cases requiring evaluation are currently placed on the waiting list at around number 200 or higher.

Accused interrupts proceedings

At the end of the hearing, Van Druten requested the opportunity to speak. He was advised not to do so.

Despite this, he insisted and, just before leaving the courtroom, first said in Afrikaans: “Die Jode het Jesus Christus vermoor,” and then repeated the statement in English: “The Jews killed Jesus.”

Watch the video:

The matter was postponed to April 7.

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