Update
PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Bed placement for psychiatric observation at Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital in Cape Town has been secured for Bevan van Druten (53), who stands accused of murdering his girlfriend, Nicky van Heerden (54).
Van Druten made a brief appearance in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court earlier today, Wednesday 28 October, in connection with Van Heerden’s death. She was found dead on 18 January.
His admission to Valkenberg has been scheduled for 16 November. He was remanded in custody until 24 November, when he is expected to return to court with the psychiatric assessment report.
Presiding magistrate Stephan Lourens told Van Druten during proceedings that securing admission was good news after months of waiting.
The state prosecutor informed Lourens that the assessment normally takes about two days to complete and that the report should be available by the next court appearance.
Read previous articles:
- Van Druten’s legal representation changes as assessment looms
- Van Druten case delayed as psychiatric assessment is awaited
- Delays in Nicky van Heerden murder case raise concerns for family
- Van Druten remains in custody as cellphone evidence delayed
- Plettenberg Bay murder accused Bevan van Druten a no-show as case postponed to July
- Additional charges added for Van Druten
- 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- Court orders psychiatric evaluation for Van Druten, bail application withdrawn
- Nicky van Heerden’s murder accused named
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
