Whether Rob Evans knew he was a murder suspect from the moment his girlfriend’s body was discovered remained a key point of contention during his formal bail hearing on Friday afternoon.
Evans is accused of the premeditated murder of Vanessa van Rensburg, whose body was discovered in Oyster Bay on April 20.
He has already indicated to the Humansdorp regional court that he intends to plead not guilty.
In his founding affidavit, Evans claimed he was informed he was a suspect from the outset.
His defence attorney, Danie Gouws, further stated in an affidavit that he had communicated directly with senior state advocate Marius Stander and Hawks officer Lt-Col Kanna Swanepoel about this, though the intricacies of the case were not discussed.
However, state prosecutor Bianca Burger challenged Evans' version, calling it implausible.
She further relied on an affidavit by Swanepoel, read into the record by investigating officer Xolile Kato, to support her argument.
"[Such] dockets do not fall under [our] mandate unless such a request is made through specific channels,” Swanepoel said in his affidavit.
“The docket does not fall under my unit and I have no insight into the docket.
“I am — and never have been — in a position to give any view or opinion to any party involved in this case.”
Evans had relied on the fact that he was told he was a suspect in his motivation for bail, claiming that it showed he was not a flight risk.
Swanepoel, however, said his only participation in the matter was when he was requested by the National Prosecuting Authority to assist the investigating officer to point out Evans' workplace, where he was ultimately arrested.
He said he had to do so because Kato was not from Gqeberha.
“I pointed out the place of employment to the investigating officer who arrested the accused.
“The accused, upon his arrest, asked to phone his lawyer, Mr [Danie] Gouws.
“As the investigating officer did not have Mr Gouws’ number, I phoned Mr Gouws and handed the phone over to the accused.
“This was most definitely my only involvement in this case. That is all I can declare.”
The matter was postponed to June 3 for further evidence.
Evans remains in custody.
The Herald
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