2022 fatal Sedgefield crash: Family disappointed by yet another postponement before trial

Update

GEORGE NEWS - There was a palpable sense of disappointment in the George Regional Court this morning, Friday 26 June, as the scheduled pre-trial conference in the culpable homicide case arising from the fatal crash that claimed the life of Danielle van Jaarsveld (41) in November 2022 was postponed yet again.

The matter has now been postponed to Tuesday 30 June, when it is expected to proceed as a final postponement.

This delay stemmed from the trial prosecutor being unavailable due to family responsibilities. It became apparent during the proceedings that the stand-in prosecutor had not been fully briefed on the matter and was unable to continue with the pre-trial conference.

Van Jaarsveld’s family, who attended court, expressed their frustration at yet another delay in a case that has already been before the courts for more than three years.

“We are appalled. This is completely unacceptable,” said a visibly upset Desiree Keating, Van Jaarsveld’s sister.

During the proceedings, the defence confirmed that both it and the State were ready to proceed to trial and that there were no outstanding investigations.

Gareth Webster, who faces a charge of culpable homicide involving the use of a motor vehicle, indicated that he intends to plead not guilty to causing the accident.

While Webster admitted that he was driving the Audi SQ5 on Swartvlei Beach Road on 6 November 2022 and that he was involved in the collision with Van Jaarsveld’s Kia Rio, he denies that he wrongfully caused or contributed to the crash.

Van Jaarsveld’s sister-in-law, Monique van Zyl, was a passenger in the car. She escaped with serious injuries for which she still undergoes rehabilitation.

The defence further confirmed that the identity of the driver, the vehicles that had been involved and the fact that a collision occurred were not in dispute. The medical evidence for Van Jaarsveld’s cause of death was also not contested.

The postponement follows the recent collapse of a proposed plea agreement that had been submitted by the defence. Keating previously confirmed that the family had rejected the proposed plea after meeting with the senior prosecutor.

Webster, who was employed by Audi Centre George at the time and now works in Knysna, first appeared in court in October 2023.

The matter was provisionally withdrawn in March 2024 while the State awaited a forensic report, before it was reinstated earlier this year and transferred to the regional court.

Van Jaarsveld’s family also approached AfriForum’s private prosecution unit in 2024, which assisted in ensuring that the matter was placed back on the court roll.

Webster remains out on warning.

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