Plettenberg Bay murder case: Bail hearing postponed for Garden Route artist accused of killing partner

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - No bail application was heard today in the case of Garden Route artist Bevan van Druten (53), who stands accused of murdering his girlfriend, Nicky van Heerden (54), a week ago, due to the absence of legal representation.

Van Heerden’s body was discovered at Rivertides near Keurbooms Beach on Sunday night, 18 January, after the police had responded to a report of a woman screaming.

Van Druten briefly appeared in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court at about 12:45 on 26 January to be afforded the opportunity to secure legal representation. He was dressed in sheepskin slippers, a sleeveless T-shirt and baggy turquoise trousers.

A large group of people, mostly women, gathered at the court to protest against GBV and to oppose bail.

The State informed the court that Adv Charl Jeppe, whom Van Druten initially requested to represent him, had declined the brief. Van Druten then requested representation from a State-appointed attorney, making the request in Afrikaans.

Van Druten, a well-known driftwood artist from Wilderness and Sedgefield, made a brief appearance in court earlier today on a charge of murder. Photo: Supplied

Read more on sister publication, George Herald

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