Sedgefield man to appear in court for former Plettenberg Bay detective’s murder

GEORGE NEWS - The 53-year-old suspect arrested for the murder of former Plettenberg Bay detective Anneke 'Nicky' van Heerden (54) is expected to make his first court appearance in Plettenberg Bay today, Wednesday 21 January.

The man, formerly from the Sedgefield/Wilderness area, was arrested earlier this week in connection with Van Heerden’s death.

It is believed that the suspect and Van Heerden were involved in a romantic relationship.

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

“Upon arrival at the scene, they found the victim next to a vehicle with injuries to her body,” said police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg.

“She was declared deceased at the scene by medical personnel. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.”

The vehicle found at the scene is believed to belong to the suspect.

Reports indicate that he was the man Van Heerden had recently introduced to family.

The identity of the suspect is known to George Herald, but cannot be released until after his first court appearance.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’