Accused Garden Route artist Bevan van Druten stands in the dock at the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court during his second court appearance in connection with the death of former detective Anneke ‘Nicky’ van Heerden. Nearly two weeks after a former Plettenberg Bay detective was found dead atop a sand dune, her accused killer will return to court on Thursday hoping for bail — but not with the well-known lawyer he had banked on. Dubbed the “Driftwood Killer”, Bevan van Druten had hoped Garden Route legal eagle Carl Jeppe would front his case, but will now have to make do with a state lawyer.
It emerged at the 53-year-old’ssecond court appearanceon Monday that Jeppe had declined to represent him. Van Druten, a talented driftwood artist who made a name for himself crafting striking sculptures from beach debris, stands accused of murdering Anneke “Nicky” van Heerden, also known to her friends as Alaska. Van Heerden’sbattered body was foundin the sand next to a vehicle believed to belong to Van Druten on January 18.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said the 54-year-old’s corpse was riddled with injuries. Bloodcurdling screams are believed to have come before the killing, with Twigg saying neighbours were startled enough to call the cops. Those close to the investigation said Van Heerden was struck from behind and her face forced into the sand as she fought for her life. It was further alleged her nose was injured on impact, and that sand was found in her mouth.
