The post-mortem of 36-year-old Vanessa, a mother of two from Gqeberha, revealed a total of 23 wounds on her body, State Prosecutor Bianca Burger told the Regional Court in Humansdorp today, May 23.
These details emerged during court proceedings related to the night Vanessa was murdered at the home of her boyfriend, 58-year-old local businessman Rob Evans.
As previously reported by the Express, the charge sheet states that Vanessa was struck by a bottle and/or other blunt force object before she was strangled. Burger revealed in court that the weapon was allegedly a whiskey bottle, which was then thrown away in a bin at Evans’ Oyster Bay residence.
The Algoa Plastics owner is facing charges of premeditated murder, kidnapping, attempted murder, and defeating the ends of justice.
Evidence of a Struggle
Burger revealed images of Evans with fresh scratch marks on his body. “Vanessa was scratching you because she was fighting for her life,” Burger argued, confronting Evans.
During questioning, Evans maintained his “no comment” stance when asked about the night of the murder. This led to Burger stating that it was only Evans and Vanessa in the house that night. “Vanessa died on Evans’ watch,” said Burger.
Burger also revealed harrowing images of the injuries Vanessa sustained, pointing out vast bruising throughout her body. She stated that Vanessa had sustained an injury to her shoulder, allegedly from the same whiskey bottle that was thrown away, which was half broken at the bottom. While showing the injuries, Burger stated, “I am not a doctor but that looks painful,” alluding to the blunt force object that was stated as the cause of death in court papers the Express had seen.
Disputed Account of Injuries
Further evidence included images of Vanessa’s rib injuries. Previously, during Evans’ bail plea, he had stated that prior to the Oyster Bay trip, Vanessa complained her four-year-old son played so roughly that it caused injuries to her ribs. However, the post-mortem revealed that Vanessa’s rib was broken and had punctured her lung.
“You are creating an impression that a four-year-old boy inflicted an injury,” Burger challenged Evans.
The Evening of Vanessa’s Death
Burger provided a timeline of events from April 19, the night of Vanessa’s death. According to testimony, Evans and Vanessa were at Keith’s house earlier that evening. Witnesses stated that Evans left without Mike—whom he had arrived with—and without Vanessa, leaving the gathering without saying goodbye to anyone.
Witnesses also indicated that Vanessa had left before Evans, who was seen without a scarf. Subsequently, Evans left without informing Mike. Burger argued, “He left Mike because he was already angry at Vanessa.” She added that eyewitnesses reported Evans swearing at her.
Additionally, security personnel reportedly witnessed Evans and Vanessa fighting shortly before she was murdered.
Burger revealed images of Vanessa’s body, noting the presence of a scarf. She argued that Evans had placed it on her. The post-mortem also revealed injuries to her neck, consistent with strangulation.
She further stated that Vanessa still had all her jewellery, which was later returned to her family. Burger then emphasised that there was no sign of forced entry into the house.
Burger concluded by asking: “If it wasn’t you, then who killed Vanessa?”
Vanessa’s mother, Charmaine Blair
Speaking to the Express, Vanessa’s mother Charmaine Blair described the loss of her daughter as “a next level pain” that will never subside.
“Had my daughter died of natural causes, had she even been in an accident, I could still accept it. But this is a next level pain. It’s never going to go away,” Blair said, visibly emotional.
Blair revealed witnessing concerning behavioral changes in Vanessa’s children, Leila and Cole, saying, “They get angry very quickly.”
When asked about her relationship with Evans, Blair admitted she didn’t know him well, having only seen him occasionally with Vanessa, including once when they took her out for her birthday dinner.
Blair also shared that while she suspected something was wrong in her daughter’s relationship, Vanessa never complained directly about Evans’ behavior.
“Vanessa never complained about anything. Everything was always ‘I’m fine,’” Blair explained. “She would phone me late at night and she would cry. And then phone me back the next morning saying she’s sorry. But she wouldn’t say what was going on.”
Blair’s only wish now is for “justice to be done, very soon.”
The court adjourned, setting May 30 for further evidence and June 3 for the bail application hearing.
