Plettenberg Bay Court: 10 things to know about Bevan van Druten

As the murder case involving Bevan van Druten continues to unfold in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court, public interest around the accused has steadily grown. Recent court decisions—including an order for psychiatric evaluation and the withdrawal of a bail application—have marked a critical phase in the proceedings. Here are 10 key things to know about Bevan van Druten and the case currently before the court.

1. He is the accused in a murder case
   Bevan van Druten, 53, is accused of murdering his girlfriend, Nicky van Heerden, who was 54 at the time of her death. The allegations are serious and remain before the court.

   
   
   

2. The case is being heard in Plettenberg Bay
   All legal proceedings are taking place at the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court, where magistrates have been making key procedural rulings.

3. The State applied for a psychiatric evaluation
   Prosecutors requested that Van Druten undergo a psychiatric assessment to determine his mental condition and ability to participate meaningfully in the trial.

4. The court granted the request
   On Friday, 6 February, the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court approved the State’s application for psychiatric evaluation.

5. The defence did not oppose the evaluation
   Van Druten’s legal team confirmed it had no objection to the assessment, allowing the process to proceed without contest.

6. He will be assessed at Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital
   The court ordered that the evaluation be conducted at Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital in Cape Town, a specialist facility used for court-directed mental health assessments.

   
   
   

7. His bail application was withdrawn
   During the same court sitting, the defence withdrew its bail application, meaning Van Druten will remain in custody.

8. The court ordered the process to be expedited
   To prevent delays, the magistrate directed that the psychiatric evaluation be fast-tracked.

9. The psychiatric report is due in March
   The findings of the assessment are expected to be presented when the matter returns to court on 6 March.

10. The outcome may influence how the case proceeds
    Depending on the psychiatric findings, the case could continue to trial in its current form or follow a different legal route, making the report a crucial development.