Gareth Webster trial postponed until February 2027

Update

GEORGE NEWS - The long-running culpable homicide case involving the death of 41-year-old Danielle van Jaarsveld has been postponed to February next year due to an overcrowded court roll in the George Regional Court.

Van Jaarsveld died following a collision on Swartvlei Beach Road on 6 November 2022. The matter was due to proceed to trial today, Tuesday 29 September, but was postponed to 17 February 2027.

The current court roll contains roughly 250 serious offences that have to be prioritised, including matters closer to finalisation, as well as cases involving accused who have been in custody for several years.

The court confirmed that 17 February is the final trial date, with the matter expected to proceed then.

Van Jaarsveld’s family, who have attended multiple court appearances over the years, have accepted that the heavily congested court roll and older matters currently before the court have to take priority. The family said they are now eagerly awaiting the trial to finally get under way next year.

‘Not guilty’ plea

The accused, Gareth Webster, has indicated that he intends to plead not guilty to a charge of culpable homicide involving the use of a motor vehicle.

Webster has admitted that he was driving an Audi SQ5 on the day of the crash and that it was involved in a collision with Van Jaarsveld’s Kia Rio.

He denies, however, that he wrongfully caused or contributed to the collision.

The case has been subject to several delays, including the collapse of a proposed plea agreement previously submitted by the defence. Van Jaarsveld’s family rejected the agreement after consulting with the senior prosecutor.

Since 2023

Webster first appeared in court in October 2023. The matter was provisionally withdrawn in March 2024 while the State awaited a forensic report, before being reinstated and transferred to the regional court.

Van Jaarsveld’s family also engaged AfriForum’s private prosecution unit in 2024, which assisted in ensuring that the matter was returned to the court roll.

Webster remains out on warning.

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