She is Jesus, I am Archangel Michael — 'Driftwood Killer' abandons bail in court shocker
Bevan van Druten
Image: Cameron Squire/SUPPLIED
The man accused of murdering former Plettenberg Bay detective Anneke “Nicky” van Heerden shocked the local court on Friday when he said she was Jesus and he the Archangel Michael.
Bevan van Druten, 53, then abruptly abandoned his bid for bail while standing in the dock of the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court for his fourth appearance.
Van Heerden, a well-known local resident, was found dead on a heap of sand in Plettenberg Bay in January.
The 54-year-old had been brutally attacked and died from her injuries.
Van Druten, who was arrested shortly afterwards and charged with her murder, asked the magistrate to have a handwritten letter read into the record.
In the letter, the Garden Route driftwood artist said Van Heerden was Jesus Christ and that he was the Archangel Michael, before saying he no longer wished to apply for bail.
"She was a special person, a child of God," said Van Druten, who appeared looking neater than during his previous court appearances, with his hair tied back and a trimmed beard.
“I am standing in front of the court, charged with murder.
"In flesh, I am standing as Archangel Michael. Nicky van Heerden is Jesus Christ herself.
"I am announcing here the current return of Jesus Christ so that the whole world may be healed by her return.”
In Christian belief, the Archangel Michael is regarded as a powerful heavenly warrior and protector, often described as the leader of God’s angels who battles evil and defends the faithful.
His Legal Aid lawyer also did not object to the state’s request that he be moved to Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital.
The court approved this request.
The matter has been postponed to March 6.
This is a developing story.
IOL