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The Herald
a day ago
- The Herald
One month on, Evans' bail bid continues
Exactly one month since his arrest, the formal bail application of murder accused Rob Evans is set to continue in the Humansdorp regional court on Monday. Evans is accused of murdering his girlfriend, Vanessa van Rensburg, at his Oyster Bay holiday home during the Easter weekend. And as the Gqeberha entrepreneur continues to fight for his freedom, defence attorney Paul Roelofse is expected to continue with his cross-examination of the lead investigator, WO Xolile Kato. Court proceedings were off to a slow start on Monday morning as the court waited for the father of three to be transported to Humansdorp from St Albans Prison, where he is being held. Evans faces a Schedule 6 charge of premeditated murder. It is the state's case that he beat 36-year-old Van Rensburg to death with an object likened to an alcohol bottle. Her body was discovered during the early hours of April 20. Evans has meanwhile maintained his innocence. During cross-examination last week, Roelofse questioned Kato's investigation of the matter. Highlighting some of the alleged short sightings, Roelofse said no measurements were taken of the broken bottle found at the scene to compare to Van Rensburg's wounds. He said while the bottle was shown to the pathologist, she had not conclusively stated that it was indeed the weapon used. Roelofse further challenged the state's version that Evans had attempted to clean up the crime scene. The court heard further that on the day Van Rensburg's body was found, Kato had already ruled out forced entry or a robbery. Another point of contention was Kato's decision to seize Evans' cellphone despite the state initially denying that the Gqeberha entrepreneur was told he was a suspect from the outset. The Herald
The Herald
03-06-2025
- General
- The Herald
Investigating officer in Vanessa murder argues for Evans to be denied bail
The lead investigator in the Vanessa van Rensburg murder case did not mince his words when he told the court on Tuesday that it was not in the interest of justice to release her boyfriend on bail. He said murder accused Rob Evans could also face more criminal charges as the investigation unfolded. Warrant Officer Xolile Kato was testifying in the packed Humansdorp Regional Court where Evans is applying for bail. Proceedings got off to a late start due to a power outage. And as the wait dragged on, Evans' two older daughters sat quietly in the public gallery, occasionally blowing kisses to their father in the nearby holding cell. Evans, who has already indicated that he intends to plead not guilty to the charges, is accused of beating and strangling Van Rensburg, 36, to death at his Oyster Bay holiday home. Her body was discovered during the early hours of April 20. Asked by state prosecutor Bianca Burger why bail should not be granted, Kato responded that the charges were extremely serious. He said looking at the severity of the charges, Evans — should he be convicted — faced life in prison. 'On top of that, they are gender-based violence related charges,' he said. 'We can see awareness being raised about gender-based violence, including in the media.' Asked what the public was saying about the case on social media, he said: 'Most of the comments are from people pointing a finger at Mr Evans and calling for justice for Vanessa. 'One comment I saw stated 'I worked for him, I could have expected it'.' Kato said Evans' own brother had allegedly told the police they always knew he had a temper, but that they had never expected it to come to this. Burger asked: 'He has a disposition to being aggressive and you're saying that was confirmed by his own brother?' 'Yes,' Kato replied. According to Kato, additional charges could still be added. He said the first person to attend to Van Rensburg's body was a member of the National Sea Rescue Institute, and that she was already cold to the touch. Kato said Evans only contacted a private security company — and not for medical assistance. 'You don't watch your loved one dying and not do anything you can to assist,' he said. 'If you cannot do it yourself, then get help. 'The first thing I would do is to get medical assistance.' He warned that Evans was a flight risk. 'If he paid bail of R100,000 and knows he faces two life terms, he might be a flight risk. 'He has all the means to do so [flee],' Kato said, noting that Evans' businesses made a turnover of more than R7m a month. 'With that money, he can do whatever he wants.' He said Evans could possibly interfere with witnesses. Kato then read out a line from the statement by business owner Ronel van Eyck, who reported a separate assault incident at the Old Grey Club on March 28. Van Eyck said her staff had sent her an incident report while she was in Vietnam, and she had subsequently informed the Old Grey Union and barred Evans from the premises. 'I knew Rob well as I have had encounters with him at Crusaders,' she said, recalling a past altercation during which Evans allegedly swore at her during a dispute over customer tabs. She said the altercation was so heated that bouncers had to intervene. Van Eyck said Evans was given a final written warning at Crusaders, where he served as treasurer. Kato said further that witnesses were allegedly being contacted by the defence. According to the state, Tiaan van Schalkwyk of Danie Gouws Attorneys, which represents Evans, had allegedly contacted Van Eyck. 'It is astounding to me that Vanessa was not the only female victim but also Ms Van Eyck,' Burger said. Testimony continues. The Herald
ABC News
30-05-2025
- General
- ABC News
Tasmanian Aboriginal resistance warriors battled against overwhelming power, but have no recognition
It evokes one of the most powerful scenes in Tasmanian history. On January 7, 1832, the last 16 Aboriginal warriors from the Oyster Bay-Big River resistance walked down Elizabeth Street in Hobart, spears in hand. WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains images of a person who has died. The warriors were on their way to meet governor George Arthur at Government House to finalise an armistice, bringing an end to the largest domestic military offensive in Australian history. The Black Line. The leader of the Aboriginal resistance to this show of force was Tongerlongeter, a man who paid the ultimate price for defending everything he ever knew against the overwhelming might of British colonial power. "He'd lost nearly everyone he'd ever loved, his first wife had been abducted, never to be seen again," Dr Clements said. "He'd lost his child. He'd lost his arm in battle. Tongerlongeter — like others defending their lands against the world's most powerful empire — is not recognised in statues, memorials or plaques. The scene could not have been more different than one from 60 years earlier, when European explorers first started landing in Van Diemen's Land. Dr Clements describes these explorers as curious and generally well-intentioned towards Aboriginal people — compared with what was to come. As colonial expansion rapidly increased by the 1820s, there was soon conflict. The kidnap of women and girls by sealers and some settlers, and the competition for scarce resources, like kangaroos, saw the start of more organised Aboriginal resistance taking in multiple bands, led by men like Tongerlongeter. "Tongerlongeter was defending his homeland, but there were more proximate causes. For example, the systematic abduction, rape, and murder of Aboriginal women and children," Dr Clements said. Aboriginal people would attack solitary huts during the day, while Europeans would attack at night, Dr Clement said. Then came the Black Line — the conscription of 2,200 soldiers, convicts and settlers to capture the remaining Aboriginal people. While the campaign itself was largely unsuccessful, the show of force proved overwhelming to Tongerlongeter. Historic records show he suffered a catastrophic injury to his arm, requiring amputation by his comrades without anaesthetic, the bone ground smooth with rock before the wound was cauterised. The group agreed to an armistice, or truce, but in their ultimate meeting in Hobart, Dr Clements notes that governor Arthur did not keep records of what was discussed. Tongerlongeter and the others were exiled to Flinders Island, losing his only child on the way. But he continued to be a leader while in exile, before dying of illness in 1837, aged 47. "We just need to get over this sense that this wasn't a legitimate war and that these people don't deserve the same sort of recognition as those who fought in our overseas conflicts," Dr Clements said. "It should be a conversation for all Tasmanians so that we can all feel a part of this because, after all, someone like Tongerlongeter, we can all admire a man like that. The idea of women and girls being kidnapped from their families to live with sealers on remote islands is something that Nala Mansell often reflects on. It was the reality faced by Walyer — a young north-west Tasmanian Aboriginal in the 1820s. "Her childhood would have included freedom, culture, being taught by her elders," Ms Mansell said. "I can only imagine the terror that she would have felt … being captured and kidnapped and taken to a foreign island with white men that she'd never seen before. Walyer was known for her determined attitude and cunning nature, likely driven by the trauma she had experienced. She observed the use of firearms by her captors, and was able to escape. Walyer engaged in forms of violent resistance; Ms Mansell said she led others in helping to cause terror among white settlers in Tasmania's north. She was again taken to remote islands, where her resistance continued to the end. "I just think she embodies the Palawa spirit," Ms Mansell said. Walyer — and the other women and girls kidnapped during the Tasmanian colonial period — are also not physically recognised in the state. The Tasmanian government this week announced it was no longer pursuing a treaty with the state's Aboriginal people and would instead establish a truth-telling and healing commission. There was previously a push, which included the RSL, to establish a memorial to the frontier conflict near the cenotaph in Hobart, but this ultimately did not go ahead. Tasmania is also the only state that does not have an Aboriginal-run cultural centre, originally proposed for Macquarie Point, but now also cancelled. Instead, plaques and monuments — such as one that celebrates Abel Tasmania for his "discovery" of Tasmania — have prominent positions, remaining a source of frustration for the Aboriginal community. That plaque sits on the public-facing side of a government building in Launceston, used as offices for the Tasmanian premier. Ms Mansell said stories of Aboriginal resistance are vital for Tasmanians to be aware of and to reflect on. "It's up to the state government or the local councils who have the ability and the funds to be able to install some type of acknowledgement, but to work without the Aboriginal community so that we can find ways to honour and celebrate Aboriginal people," she said. In a statement earlier this week, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jacquie Petrusma said the truth-telling and healing commissioners would promote respect and self-determination. "It is a critical and necessary step towards recognising past injustices, gaining a greater understanding of the contemporary challenges being faced by Tasmanian Aboriginal people, and making real progress in healing the wounds of the past," she said.
The Herald
21-05-2025
- The Herald
State claims boyfriend was intoxicated when Vanessa's body was found
Murder accused Rob Evans was reportedly so drunk the morning his girlfriend's battered and bruised body was discovered in his holiday home, that he was unable to recall what had happened. The state claims further that he gave at least three conflicting versions of events. Prosecutor Bianca Burger said that in his official statement to the police, Evans had relayed how he and Vanessa van Rensburg had arrived at his Oyster Bay holiday house at about 4pm on April 19. A couple of hours later, a friend, Mike McAfee, invited them to join a braai at the home of Keith Belling. McAfee left his bakkie at Evans' house and all three headed to the braai in Evans' vehicle. Reading from Evans' statement, Burger continued: 'On arrival at Keith's house we were invited to join their braai and we had some drinks with them. 'Vanessa left early ... before me ... and I later went home. 'I had too much to drink. I cannot recall how I got to the house, whether I drove or not, but I know I drove my bakkie [to the braai] and Mike left his bakkie in my yard.' Back at the holiday home, he said, he could not recall seeing Van Rensburg there. 'I went inside to make a fire as we had decided to braai. 'I could not keep track of time but when I got out of the braai area to the sitting area, I saw Vanessa lying on the floor. 'I went to her to see if she was OK, but it seemed there was no life in her any more. 'I then went down to Keith's house to seek help and they came back with me.' In the second version, Burger said, Evans told a police officer who arrived at the scene at 1.45am that he had gone to a braai at Belling's house, returned home, and did not see Van Rensburg's body until later, when he emerged from the braai area after attempting to make a fire. In the third version, at 2.35am, he allegedly phoned Van Rensburg's young children's paternal grandmother, crying, and eventually told her that Van Rensburg was dead. When the woman asked what had happened, Evans allegedly said that they had been braaiing for two hours at his house and that he later stumbled upon her body. He said her lips were blue and he tried to resuscitate her for two hours. Burger said she had also obtained a statement from a local fisherman, only identified as Mr Taljaard. She said Taljaard alleged that he drove past Evans' house at about 8.30pm and that he had heard shouting and fighting coming from the property. When he drove past again later that night, at about 10pm, Evans was allegedly sitting on a bench outside his house and drinking. He said he could not see Van Rensburg. The bail application continues on Friday. Evans remains in custody. The Herald
The Herald
21-05-2025
- The Herald
Video of Evans ‘assaulting' man at pub played in court
In an effort to demonstrate the alleged violent nature of murder suspect Rob Evans, the prosecution presented a video showing him allegedly assault a man at a pub just weeks before his girlfriend's death. After the CCTV footage was played to the Humansdorp Regional Court on Wednesday afternoon, where Evans is applying for bail, he remarked: 'It definitely happened.' Evans is accused of murdering Vanessa van Rensburg at his Oyster Bay holiday home over the Easter weekend. She was beaten and strangled. During his testimony on Tuesday, Evans had told the court that Van Rensburg was the aggressor in their relationship. On his return to the stand on Wednesday afternoon for cross-examination by the state, prosecutor Bianca Burger played the footage of the incident at the Old Grey restaurant to the packed courtroom. In the video, Evans and Van Rensburg can be seen seated next to each other at a table when a man approaches them and starts speaking to Van Rensburg. Evans then jumps up and allegedly proceeds to hit the man with a flat hand on the head. As a result, the man's spectacles break, causing him to bleed. In a second video, taken from a different angle, the injured man is seen being held up and assisted out of the restaurant by other patrons. The alleged incident occurred on March 28. After the video was shown, Burger asked Evans if he wished to comment. 'It definitely happened,' he said. 'Vanessa and I went to Old Grey for a pizza.' Asked how the assault came about, Evans said the man had made inappropriate remarks to Van Rensburg, which she did not like. He said after she brought it to his attention, he smacked the man. 'I thought I was standing up for her rights. 'I wouldn't give someone a tap on the head for smiling at my girlfriend.' Burger said the video contradicted his affidavit in which he claimed not to be a violent person. She also asked Evans if there were any restaurants the couple were no longer welcome at, to which he said 'no'. 'So, if someone from The Southender were to say you're not allowed back in, would that be a lie?' Burger asked. 'Yes, that's a lie — unless something has changed while I've been in here,' Evans retorted. 'If anybody employed at or associated with Calzoni said you're not allowed there, would that be a lie?' Burger asked. 'Yes. Vanessa and I told the owner we wouldn't be returning. I've never been involved in any arguments. 'The owner said it didn't matter, because we apparently caused trouble anyway. 'But I've never been involved in any altercation [there]. There was no argy-bargy. 'We were watching the rugby — someone was standing in front of me. I asked them to move, as they were blocking the view of the table. Eventually, they did.' Asked by Burger what he meant by an 'argy-bargy', Evans said it was an altercation. He said as far as he knew, he was also still welcome at Old Grey. The bail application continues. The Herald
