St Francis Chronicle, 1 July, 2025: The long, drawn-out bail application of PE businessman, Robert Edward Evans, 58, charged with the murder of his girlfriend Vanessa van Rensburg, 36, also from PE, was once again postponed in the Humansdorp Regional Court today, 1 July.
Defence advocate Danie Gouws said he could secure 300+ signatures in favour of Evans’ being released on R100-k bail.
This was in response to State Persecutor Bianca Burger’s earlier presentation to the court of a petition bearing 700 signatures from community members opposing Evans’ release – arguing it reflects public fear about his freedom. The concern of Vanessa’s family was evident at the defence’s counter-action.
Also, there is now speculation on social media and in PE circles on the defence’s bail application bid – the outcome of which is likely to be announced on 8 July, when Evans next returns to court from St Albans’ Prison.
In court on 30 May Warrant Officer Xolile Kato, a 20-year SAPS veteran and St Francis Bay detective chief, testified as the lead investigator in the murder case against accused Evans, owner of Algoa Plastics in Gqeberha, and owner of the Oyster Bay holiday home where Vanessa’s body was found in the early hours of Easter Sunday this year. Evans faces charges of murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and obstructing justice. His legal defence has been seeking to downgrade Evans’ charge from Schedule 6 (premeditated murder) to Schedule 5 (murder), so as to ease bail requirements.
On 20 June, the court faced a setback when defence advocate Danie Gouws was absent. Attorney Roelofse informed Magistrate Deidre Dickson the defence was not prepared or ready to argue for the downgrading of Evans’ charge, while the State Prosecutor Burger stated the prosecution was ready to proceed. The Family members of both Vanessa and Evans were again in attendance in the Humansdorp court today.
During this morning’s hearing, the defence started to question details of the Oyster Bay crime scene, but Dickson intervened, and declared there was no new evidence to justify the crime scene, saying it was a waste of time.
While the defence has stated the high amount of bail offered indicates Evans will not flee, the State holds that with R-millions he earns daily “he can do anything”.
Today Evans appeared fairly subdued with his head lowered and was returned to St Albans to await further news on his bail application on 8 July, again in Humansdorp s regional Court.
This prolonged bail application has drawn attention across St Francis Bay and the Eastern Cape, with #JusticeForVanessa trending on social media. The 8 July hearing will likely focus on the defence’s signature submissions and the unresolved Schedule 6 versus Schedule 5 dispute.
St Francis Chronicle continues to provide St Francis Bay readers with concise court updates on this high-stakes legal process.
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