Algoa Plastics boss, Rob Evans’s fate still hangs in the balance as his almost month-long bail hearing is yet to continue tomorrow at the regional courts in Humansdorp. The businessman appeared today, June 9, where his legal representative, Paul Roelofse continued to cross-examine the investigating officer, WO Xolile Kato.
During the proceedings, Roelofse argued that Evans did not threaten state witness, Ronel Van Eyck, who is the owner of the Old Grey restaurant and previous restaurant owner at Crusaders rugby club.
Evans (58) is accused of murdering his 36-year-old girlfriend, Vanessa Van Rensburg during Easter weekend in his Oyster Bay holiday home. Evans is being charged with murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and obstruction of justice.
In today’s court proceedings, defense attorney Roelofse focused on challenging claims that Evans threatened state witness Ronel Van Eyck.
According to Roelofse , Evans made no gestures toward Van Eyck during the Crusaders Rugby event.
Roelofse insisted that Evans “did not speak to her or greet her. Did not talk to her.”
Kato acknowledged when pressed by Roelofse, further agreeing that Evans “did not engage with her.”
When questioned about whether Evans had threatened Van Eyck, Kato responded, “not after the incident she was referring to,” and confirmed that Evans did not threaten to assault her.
Roelofse stated, while Van Eyck may have felt threatened, there was merely “a verbal disagreement” at Crusaders that stemmed from lease agreement issues and unpaid rent. However, the magistrate argued that this was hearsay and these claims required statements, which Roelofse stated he would provide in the next court hearing.
READ: “I’m going to prove a pattern”: State prosecutor reveals alleged pattern of violence by murder accused Evans
Roelofse also addressed allegations that an attorney also representing Evans had contacted Van Eyck, with Roelofse asserting that Mr. Van Schalk did not know she was a state witness.
Another significant point of contention was whether Evans’s willingness to pay R100,000 bail indicated he was a flight risk. Kato argued that the amount, combined with the serious charges Evans faces, suggested he might “up the stakes of gaining freedom.”
“He’s so desperate to not be in custody. Since he is facing two life sentences, what else could he do?” Kato stated, adding that Evans “has the funds to get anywhere so he can be a risk.”
Roelofse countered by establishing that Evans had “ample time to run away” between April 21-22 when he knew a murder docket was opened yet made no attempt to flee.
When questioned, Kato admitted he had no information suggesting Evans had overseas contacts, assets outside the country, or means to leave South Africa illegally, and acknowledged that Evans does not possess a valid passport.
READ MORE: GBV concerns central to investigator’s opposition of Evans bail
Roelofse emphasised Evans’s strong family ties and business interests in Gqeberha as factors anchoring him to the area. Roelofse also explored potential bail conditions including house arrest with correctional services monitoring Evans.
The matter was postponed to tomorrow, June 10, for further cross-examination.
