Phiwokuhle Mothemela
Nelson Mandela Bay businessman, Rob Evans, told the Humansdorp magistrate's court on Friday that he intends to plead not guilty to the murder of mother, Vanessa Van Rensburg.
The 58-year-old co-owner of Algoa Plastics applied for bail where his affidavit was read into the court record.
Evans appeared in the dock in the same pair of shorts and jacket that he wore during his first appearance on Monday.
He is charged with murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and obstruction of justice.
The attempted murder charge relates to an alleged incident in February this year, where the state alleges that he struck Van Rensburg with a "blunt force."
The kidnapping charge relates to an incident of 9 May 2024, where Evans allegedly locked Van Rensburg inside his vehicle.
It's further alleged that he obstructed the course of justice by "obstructing the crime scene", and by delaying in getting medical assistance for Van Rensburg.
The initial offences against Evans have since changed from a schedule five offence to a schedule six offence, which includes premeditated murder.
Van Rensburg's body was found in Evans’ Oyster Bay home on Easter Sunday.
During proceedings, Evans appeared to become emotional as he read out the part of his affidavit relating to his three children.
He said his incarceration was emotionally strenuous on them, especially his youngest daughter.
According to Evans, his three daughters, who currently live with their mother, are financially dependent on him.
Evans further told the court that he suffers from sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts.
And for that, he needs special equipment, which he cannot take into St Albans prison, where he is currently being detained.
He further said he can afford a bail amount of R100 000, with strict bail conditions.
“I am rooted in the community of Gqeberha and have no intention of evading trial, as I have been cooperative from the onset,” said Evans.
He added that his incarceration has a negative impact on the business that he co-owns with his brother.
“Algoa Plastics employs 44 staff members, and my incarceration will negatively impact the business as I am responsible for the operational and managerial duties.”
Furthermore, Evans said in his affidavit that he is not a violent person, and the shared custody of his children from his estranged wife proves that.
Meanwhile, Van Rensburg’s older sister Claudette, told Algoa FM News, that they hope their sister receives justice.
“The reason we want to oppose bail is (because of) the harshness of what was done to her. We will never get her back, but the best we can do is stand together during this difficult time.”
“Nothing can bring her back, nothing,” she said as she became emotional.
Their father, Johan van Rensburg brought his deceased daughter's ashes inside the courtroom and took them out as Evans entered the courtroom.
He also tried to get his (Evans’) attention to show him the ashes, but Evans did not look in his direction.
The matter was remanded to Monday for further evidence to be led.
Also read: Rob Evans slapped with more charges in Vanessa van Rensburg murder
