Fatal Sedgefield crash: Plea deal stalls court case

Update

GEORGE NEWS - The case against the Knysna car dealer, Gareth Webster, who stands accused of causing the crash in which Danielle van Jaarsveld (41) lost her life, was postponed once again in the George Regional Court on Tuesday 28 April.

A plea agreement was submitted to the State, but the prosecutor was not satisfied with its contents as it allegedly did not correspond with the information contained in the docket.

Additional information was requested, and was received last Friday.

The matter has now been postponed to 26 May, which is expected to be the final postponement. Should the parties fail to reach an agreement on the plea deal, a trial date will be set.

The family has not yet been briefed on the details of the proposed plea agreement. "The plea agreement will have to reflect the seriousness of the crime," said Van Jaarsveld's sister, Desiré Keating.

Webster, who lives in Sedgefield and works at a car dealership in Knysna, previously appeared in court on 3 March, when the case was postponed for possible plea negotiations.

Van Jaarsveld, from George, died on 6 November 2022 after the Kia sedan she was driving was involved in a head-on collision with an Audi SQ5 performance SUV on Swartvlei Beach Road, near the Sedge Links Golf Club in Sedgefield.

Webster, employed by Audi Centre George at that stage, was allegedly driving the Audi at the time, having attended a golf day at the course.

Van Jaarsveld's vehicle rolled several times before coming to a standstill next to the road. She died while being transported to hospital.

Her passenger, her sister-in-law Monique van Zyl, sustained serious injuries and underwent multiple operations followed by extensive physiotherapy.

The two were reportedly on their way to the beach at the time. Van Zyl, who celebrated her 33rd birthday earlier this year, is still undergoing treatment.

Webster and his passenger were not seriously injured.

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