The next stop for the man accused of murdering a former Plettenberg Bay detective may be a psychiatric hospital.
Driftwood artist Bevan van Druten appeared briefly in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, appearing calm in the dock while carrying a Bible.
A new prosecutor, Cameron Roode, came on record.
He told the court Van Druten, 53, faced a Schedule 6 murder charge for the killing of his girlfriend, Anneke “Nicky” van Heerden, and that bail would be opposed.
The Schedule 6 charge indicates that Van Druten must prove exceptional circumstances for bail to be granted.
The appearance had also brought a change on the bench, with magistrate Stephan Lourens having taken over the matter.
Nicky van Heerden, 54, was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend.
Roode said the state believed violence was implicit in the case.
He said Van Druten could potentially interfere with witnesses if released, as many were known to him.
He also asked that Van Druten be sent to Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital for observation.
The district surgeon had also submitted an affidavit.
Van Druten handed himself over to police in the early hours of Monday last week, just hours after the 54-year-old’s body had been found on a dune, allegedly lying next to his bakkie.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg reported that her body was found with multiple injuries.
His legal aid attorney told the court the defence needed time to take instructions from Van Druten, including on the state’s application for psychiatric evaluation.
The case has been postponed until next Friday to allow for further instructions to be gathered and to continue the bail proceedings.
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