Community rallies as artist appears in court for former detective's murder
Accused Garden Route artist Bevan van Druten stands in the dock at the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court during his second court appearance in connection with the death of former detective Anneke “Nicky” van Heerden.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
The case against Garden Route artist Bevan van Druten, charged with the murder of former detective Anneke "Nicky" van Heerden, has been postponed to Thursday for a formal bail application.
Van Druten appeared in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court on Monday where he told magistrate, Zukiswa Hans, in Afrikaans: “I want to apply for a state lawyer.”
This came after prominent Garden Route attorney Carl Jeppe refused to represent the 53-year-old man, a decision Jeppe himself confirmed.
Van Druten was assigned a Legal Aid attorney, while the State withdrew its request to have him sent to a district surgeon for mental evaluation.
Hans said she had not been informed of the application and was hearing of it for the very first time.
The matter was postponed for Van Druten to bring a formal bail application, which the state is opposing.
Nicky van Heerden, 54
Image: SUPPLIED
Van Heerden, 54, was found dead on January 18 near the Keurbooms River dunes in Plettenberg Bay.
Van Heerden was a former Plettenberg Bay detective and was well-known in the local community.
The court's public gallery was packed with grieving family members and friends of Van Heerden.
When the matter was postponed, those gathered formed a large circle in the corridors, bowing their heads in prayer.
A small protest was held outside court, with people, mostly dressed in black, holding placards reading “no bail, only jail”.
“We've come to oppose bail,” said Van Heerden's friend, Mariella Rossi.
“We're saying with the numerous protection orders and this much background, we feel, it would be prudent to refuse bail.
“She didn't deserve to die so brutally.”
Van Heerden's friend, Samantha Cartwright said she wanted to make sure justice prevailed.
“I want there to be no bail given and the accused to remain in jail.”
Van Heerden's brother-in-law Hein Bruwer said the family was present to support one another and to show their love for her.
“We loved her very much and she was full of life,” Bruwer, who is also the family spokesman, said.
“She always brought light into our lives and those around her. We are heartbroken by what has happened and we cannot comment on the merits of the case.”
Van Heerden's 88-year-old father was also present.
Cape Times