Van Druten to undergo observation

Update Video

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS AND VIDEO - Despite a court order for psychiatric observation, it is still unclear when Bevan van Druten (53) will be transferred to Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital, as the process depends on the availability of a bed at the facility.

Responding to an enquiry from George Herald, the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said as with all similar referrals, an accused cannot be admitted until a bed is allocated by the hospital.

He explained that the 30-day observation period prescribed in terms of the Mental Health Care Act only commences once the accused has been admitted for evaluation.

George Herald also contacted Van Druten’s attorney, Linda Mfuduka, to ask whether he has been transferred to Valkenberg yet, but had not received a response by the time of going to press.

In the latest developments, Van Druten, charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Nicky van Heerden (54), made his fourth court appearance in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court on Friday 6 February, during which Magistrate Stephan Lourens granted the State’s application for him to undergo psychiatric evaluation.

The defence indicated it did not oppose the application and formally withdrew its bail application at that stage.

Proceedings took a dramatic turn when Mfuduka informed the court that Van Druten wished to address the court and the deceased’s family. He had written a statement in Afrikaans, and Mfuduka requested an appropriate interpreter to ensure he fully understood its contents.

Mfuduka said he had initially advised against reading the statement, but after it was interpreted, he was satisfied it did not touch on the merits of the case.

Bevan van Druten holds what seems to be a Bible after delivering his statement during the court proceedings that took place at the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court on Friday 6 February. Photo: Marguerite van Ginkel

Lourens cautioned that the accused should not deal with the merits of the matter, as this could jeopardise both his trial and any future bail application. However, he allowed the statement to be read, as it came through the defence.

State prosecutor Cameron Roode noted that the accused had been referred for psychiatric evaluation by the district surgeon, whose findings recommended such an assessment.

After considering submissions from both parties, Lourens ruled that it was in the interest of justice to grant the State’s application under Sections 77 read with Subsection 79 of the Criminal Procedure Act. The matter was postponed to 6 March, with the State ordered to prioritise the case.

Van Druten’s statement in court on Friday 6 February:

“Baie dankie, Edelagbare. Ek wil asseblief op rekord vir die hof hierdie persoonlike erkenning maak en net voorlees wat dit behels. Dit gaan omtrent net een minuut vat. Aan Nicky van Heerden se pa, haar suster en haar broer, en haar man, Leon: mag die Here julle vertroos en versterk ná die verlies van julle dogter, suster en vrou. Sy was ’n besondere mens. Sy was ’n kind van God. Ek staan vandag as ’n man voor die hof op ’n aanklag van moord. Ek is ’n kind van ons Almagtige, die Drie-enige God: die Vader, Seun en die Heilige Gees. Ek is ’n nederige houtwerker as man in die vlees. In die Gees staan ek nou voor die hof asook die wêreld as die aartsengel Migael. That’s in spirit. Nicky van Heerden is Jesus Christus haarself en Homself. Ek verkondig hier vandag die wederkoms van Jesus Christus aan. Die hele wêreld gaan deur haar verlos word. Mag die heelal, God en sy volle glorie seëvier. Halleluja, amen. Dankie, Edelagbare.”

Watch: Bail hearing takes dramatic turn as Van Druten submits personal statement