Watch: Psychiatric evaluation ordered for Garden Route artist accused of girlfriend’s murder
‘The whole world will be saved through her’: The bail hearing of a man accused of murdering his girlfriend took a dramatic turn when the court allowed him to read a personal statement.
The state’s application for Bevan van Druten (53), accused of murdering his girlfriend Nicky van Heerden (54), to be sent for psychiatric evaluation was approved by the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
George Herald reports that the defence confirmed it did not oppose the evaluation, which will take place in Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital in Cape Town.
The defence also withdrew its bail application.
The court ordered the evaluation process to be expedited, and the results are to be presented at the next hearing on March 6.
Watch: Bail hearing takes dramatic turn as Van Druten submits personal statement
George Herald previously reported that the family vows to seek justice and accountability as the investigation into Van Heerden’s murder continues.
Hein Bruwer (48), Van Heerden’s brother-in-law, said the family is devastated by her death but remains determined to pursue closure. The family has appointed a legal team to support the state and will hold authorities accountable, stressing that due process must be followed.
Bruwer said he and his wife last saw Van Heerden shortly before 21:00 on January 17, when she and Van Druten visited them in Brenton-on-Sea. Van Heerden introduced Van Druten as the love of her life during the visit.
According to the Bruwers, the visit became uncomfortable, and they asked the couple to leave.
Sources close to the investigation said neighbours reported hearing a woman screaming at Van Druten’s property late on January 18, and contacted police. A security company repeatedly called authorities every 20 minutes, as they were not permitted to enter without police presence.
Police arrived at Rivertides near the Keurbooms River at about 00:20 on January 19 and found Van Heerden’s body next to a bakkie believed to belong to Van Druten, on the dunes that form part of the premises. She had injuries to her body and was declared dead on the scene.
A search involving drones and search dogs followed. Van Druten was hiding on the property but was caught when he stepped on underbrush, alerting police. He was cornered before he could escape to neighbouring premises and handed himself over.
Watch: Interview outside the courthouse yesterday
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Read original story on www.georgeherald.com
