The dealer principal of a Mthatha car dealership, Mauritz Andries Rheeder (57), briefly appeared in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 9, in connection with the death of his partner Riana Nel (50) from East London.
Mthatha Express reported on Sunday on Nel’s death in a private Mthatha hospital. According to the police report, Nel died shortly after a visit from him during which he brought refreshments to her hospital bed. She was recovering from injuries he had allegedly inflicted days earlier, on Saturday, 31 May 2025, at the automotive dealership in Nelson Mandela Drive.
Police investigations revealed that Nel had visited Rheeder, who was her partner, at the automotive dealership where he worked. Following a quarrel, Rheeder allegedly assaulted her at his workplace. He later transported her to hospital on Sunday, 1 June, where she was admitted for treatment. At that time, Rheeder reportedly claimed that she had been attacked by “unknown thugs” near the dealership.
Rheeder visited her in hospital on Friday, 6 June, bringing refreshments. Shortly after consuming these items, she became severely ill and died at approximately 13:55 that same day.
“Based on preliminary investigations utilising available electronic evidence, the 57-year-old male suspect was arrested on Friday, 6 June 2025, at approximately 19:00,” the SAPS statement confirmed.
The official cause of death will be determined following a comprehensive post-mortem examination.
During Monday’s court proceedings before Magistrate Melikaya Dyakobi, it was confirmed that Rheeder was facing a murder charge. He confirmed in court that he is the father of two and was working in a dealership as a dealer principal. He said he could afford to pay R3000 for bail.
The bail application was postponed until June 17. Rheeder remains in custody.
