Update
PLETTENBERG BAY - Bevan van Druten (53), accused of murdering his girlfriend, Nicky van Heerden (54), appeared briefly in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate's Court on 7 April while awaiting a psychiatric evaluation.
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila, the matter has been postponed to Thursday 7 May, pending bed placement at Valkenberg.
An additional charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm has also been added to the existing charges in the Plettenberg Bay case.
According to a reliable source, the additional charge relates to an incident in which Van Druten allegedly assaulted a fellow inmate at Knysna prison while being held in custody for the murder of Van Heerden, after the inmate reportedly refused to carry out an act against another prisoner.
Van Druten objected to photographs being taken, but the court confirmed that photographs may be taken inside the court-room on condition that it is before or after the hearing.
Previous articles:
- van Druten case postponed: Name on Valkenberg Waiting list
- Van Druten allegedly makes calls from prison ahead of court date
- Van Druten to undergo observation
- Court orders psychiatric evaluation for Van Druten, bail application withdrawn
- Van Druten’s bail hearing approaches: Uncertainty reigns outside court
- 4th court appearance for Van Druten as bail hearing ties up
- Trail of alleged abuse and intimidation
- Modern-day witch hunt? Rocco Viljoen speaks out
- Family seeks justice for Nicky van Heerden
- Plettenberg Bay murder case: Bail hearing postponed again for Garden Route artist accused of killing partner
- Murder accused Bevan van Druten bail hearing delayed due to lack of legal representation
- Spiritual leader denies involvement in murder after allegations on social media
- Nicky van Heerden murder: Suspect appears in court
- Sedgefield man to appear in court for former Plettenberg Bay detective’s murder
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