Bail Bid Expected For ‘Driftwood Killer’ Accused In Nicky van Heerden Murder Case

The man accused of killing former Plettenberg Bay detective Anneke “Nicky” van Heerden is expected to return to the dock this week, where he may attempt to secure his release on bail amid growing public scrutiny.

Bevan van Druten, known locally as a gifted driftwood sculptor and dubbed the “Driftwood Killer”, appeared briefly in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where it emerged he will not be represented by the high-profile lawyer he had hoped to retain.

Instead, the 53-year-old murder accused will proceed with state-appointed legal representation after prominent Garden Route advocate Carl Jeppe declined to take on his case.

Bail hearing scheduled as court appoints Legal Aid lawyer

Van Druten requested a Legal Aid attorney during his second court appearance, telling Magistrate Zukiswa Hans he could not proceed without legal assistance. A Legal Aid lawyer was subsequently appointed.

The matter was postponed to Thursday, when Van Druten may formally apply for bail. Van Heerden’s 88-year-old father is again expected to attend proceedings and face the man accused of killing his daughter.

During the hearing, the State told the court that Van Druten had allegedly been examined by the district surgeon and sent for observation. Magistrate Hans immediately questioned the claim, saying she had no knowledge of such an order, after which the prosecution withdrew the statement.

Van Druten appeared in court wearing yellow slippers and loose turquoise trousers.

Police describe violent attack before former detective’s death

Van Druten stands accused of murdering Van Heerden, a former detective also known as Alaska, whose body was discovered on January 18 lying in the sand near a vehicle believed to belong to him.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said Van Heerden’s body showed extensive injuries.

Neighbours reportedly heard “bloodcurdling screams” before the killing, which were alarming enough for police to be called, Twigg confirmed.

Sources close to the investigation allege Van Heerden was attacked from behind and forced face-down into the sand as she fought back. It was further claimed her nose was injured on impact and that sand was found in her mouth.

Conflicting accounts emerge over relationship timeline

The night before her death, Van Heerden reportedly introduced Van Druten to family and friends, saying the pair had only recently met.

However, outside the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court on Monday, supporters suggested a far longer and more secretive relationship.

Flowers, placards and a large pencil portrait of Van Heerden were placed outside court as friends and relatives gathered in large numbers.

Several supporters claimed the pair had known each other since September and that Van Heerden had previously house-sat for Van Druten. According to those close to them, the two had “instantly clicked” and soon began a relationship kept largely out of public view.

Others disputed this version, insisting the relationship was brief and that Van Heerden had met Van Druten only about a week before her death.

Past allegations paint troubling picture of accused’s behaviour

As previously reported, multiple individuals have described Van Druten as volatile, with six women allegedly either obtaining or attempting to obtain protection orders against him.

Zoe Davids, 41, who said she lived next door to Van Druten in Wilderness between 2016 and 2019, described him as “an extremely volatile person”.

“It was a very tough three years because he was our neighbour,” Davids said.

She claimed Van Druten often complained about her dogs jumping the fence onto his property.

“He would say he would shoot them — and us,” she said.

Davids also recalled an incident in which Van Druten allegedly questioned her partner’s right to be in South Africa.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Cocaine And Alcohol Allegedly Found In Sandton Hotel Room Where Goolam Vawda Died

“He wanted to see his passport … I started shouting at him,” she said.

She further alleged that Van Druten once built a speed bump overnight on their gravel road without warning motorists.

“He was up in the middle of the night building a speed bump,” she said. “The next day cars were getting damaged because nobody knew the speed bump was there.”

Davids said Van Druten later made a racist remark during a confrontation.

“He [allegedly] said he had put up a sign in English and that if my partner could not read it because he speaks Arabic, then he should not be in this country,” she said.

“I told him, ‘You ignorant prick, he’s not Arabic’.”

In another incident, Davids claimed Van Druten threatened to kill her dog with a crossbow after it slipped into his yard. She said she never reported him to police.

Friends recall Van Heerden’s kindness and faith

Jax Dichabe, 44, who met Van Heerden — whom she knew as Alaska — at a meditation centre in September, said she was still struggling to process her death.

“When it comes to her murder, I’m hurt and it’s hard, but I leave it up to God,” Dichabe said. “She is in a better place.”

She said her faith had helped her cope.

“While I was meditating on that mountain, I was taught to love unconditionally,” she said. “It is a hard, narrow road, but I know it’s what we’re supposed to choose.”

Van Heerden’s brother-in-law, Hein Bruwer, described her as vibrant and deeply loved.

“We loved her very much and she was full of life,” Bruwer said. “She always brought light into our lives and those around her. We are heartbroken by what had happened and we cannot comment on the merits of the case.”

---

For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On Facebook, X,  Instagram and Bluesky