South African News

Plettenberg Bay murder: Van Druten due in court for ex-detective Van Heerden killing

Brandon Nel and Xolile Mtembu|Updated

Bevan van Druten is expected to appear in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate's Court on Monday in connection with the murder of former detective Anneke "Nicky" van Heerden.

Image: Images supplied and spliced together by IOL's Lunga Ngongoma

Bevan van Druten is expected to appear in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate's Court on Monday in connection with the murder of former detective Anneke "Nicky" van Heerden.

Van Heerden, 54, was found dead on the night of January 18 near the Keurbooms River dunes in Plettenberg Bay.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said they were called to the scene after "reports of a woman screaming".

Her injured-riddle body was later discovered near a vehicle believed to be linked to Van Druten.

Van Heerden was a former Plettenberg Bay detective and was well-known in the local community.

Van Druten, a local driftwood artist, handed himself over to the police during the early hours of Monday last week.

He made his first court appearance last week, where the matter was postponed to Monday to allow him time to appoint a lawyer and consider a bail application.

The National Prosecuting Authority said it would oppose the bail application. 

In exclusive interviews with IOL, at least six women have come forward saying they sought protection orders against van Druten.

They are alleging a pattern of intimidation, violence and harrasment stretching back years.

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