Yesterday, on 23 May the Humansdorp Regional Court, near St Francis Bay in the Kouga municipal area, presented fresh evidence in the murder case of Vanessa van Rensburg – a tragedy that occurred in Oyster Bay, 16 km away from St Francis Bay, on 20 April this year.
The tragedy broke first in an article online by St Francis Chronicle on 21 April.
State prosecutor Bianca Burger cross-examined Gqeberha businessman Rob Evans during his bail hearing and displayed photographs. Police photographs showed bruises on Vanessa’s nose, chin, feet, and shoulders, with a post-mortem report confirming a blunt-force shoulder injury, suggesting she fought for her life.
Evans, shown these images, refused to comment, leading Vanessa’s father to exit the courtroom in distress.
Burger questioned Evans about a scarf found around Vanessa’s neck when police arrived at his Oyster Bay holiday home on Easter Sunday, noting earlier photos that showed no scarf. Burger alleged Evans placed it there to alter the scene, a claim he didn’t address.
The SAPS found green broken glass near Vanessa’s body and a whisky bottle in the dustbin, which Burger alleged Evans used to assault her before clearing evidence. Photos showed bruises on Evans’ chin and shoulder, likely from Vanessa’s resistance.
The State claimed he was intoxicated, supported by his vague memory of the evening’s weather. Plus, also, Evans had given three conflicting accounts of what happened on 20 April, Burger said.
The prosecution noted Vanessa’s jewellery and cellphone were still in the house, dismissing a break-in motive. Burger challenged Evans’ claim of not seeing Vanessa’s body, stating he entered his home via the lounge or kitchen doors, implying he could not fail to see her and alleged he witnessed her fall.
Magistrate Dedrei Dickson asked Evans to justify his bail application bail for the serious Schedule 6 charge, but reasons were not disclosed. The hearing was postponed to 30 May and Evans in custody at st Alban’s prison.
As St Francis and other media continue to track this case for new developments, Vanessa’s distraught family members, including her children, plus members of the Gqeberha and local Kouga communities await justice for Vanessa van Rensburg, whose death continues to shock and resonate across the region.
– This is a developing story.
Read: First story , below…
