Trail of alleged abuse and intimidation

Update

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - As the police continue their investigation into Nicky van Heerden's (54) murder, a series of separate and unrelated allegations have emerged about the past conduct of Bevan van Druten, the man arrested in connection with her death.

Van Heerden's body was discovered at Rivertides near Keurbooms River in the early hours of Monday 19 January.

Van Druten has not been convicted of the murder, and the allegations outlined below do not form part of the current criminal case.

Over recent days, a number of individuals, some speaking on record and others requesting anonymity due to safety concerns, have come forward with claims of alleged intimidation, harassment and threatening behaviour in previous incidents.

Allegations from a former associate

A nearby Plettenberg Bay resident, who asked not to be named, said he previously knew Van Druten, but ended their friendship after observing some very concerning behaviour.

He posited that even as a strong and fit man, he would not confront Van Druten in a physical altercation.

He claims Van Druten had regularly displayed his collection of weapons, including crossbows, firearms, knives and swords.

Restraining orders

George Herald spoke to three women in Sedgefield who had obtained restraining orders against Van Druten. They all described how they had lived in fear of him.

One former neighbour claims she was physically assaulted and her housemate's hand was broken during an incident. She claims they were prevented from leaving their house when Van Druten allegedly blocked off access to the property.

Bevan van Druten allegedly blocked his neighbour from leaving their driveway for an hour during an incident in 2024. Photo: Supplied

They claim that over a period of nearly two years, he had stalked them, trespassed, issued threats and verbally abused them. As a result, they acquired panic buttons linked to private security companies. Both ADT and Allsound Security had reportedly been called to the house on several occasions to assist during confrontations.

Many of the alleged victims declined to be named, citing fear of retaliation and a lack of trust in the criminal justice system.

Statement from former business associate

Dr Zanatoa Tanya Ings, a qualified homeopath and former business associate of Van Druten, agreed to speak on record.

She stated that after she had become aware of several restraining orders, and fearing Van Druten herself, she approached the police in June last year to request intervention. Ings said she was told no action could be taken, because she had not been physically assaulted.

She also stated that she had warned an ex-partner of Van Druten's about him in the past.

Banned from events and public spaces

Several event organisers reportedly barred Van Druten from attending functions due to complaints from some clients who had felt unsafe.

A market in Sedgefield allegedly terminated Van Druten's stall contract due to his alleged erratic behaviour affecting customers.

Dion Viljoen, organiser of the Summer Solstice Festival, provided some WhatsApp messages that show the organisers had refused Van Druten entry. He said Van Druten had initially accepted this decision, but later became angry about it.

At the Wilderness Arts Festival in 2024, Van Druten was reportedly removed from the Wilderness Hotel after having allegedly harassed a woman in the audience. Witnesses said he ignored requests to stop and was escorted out after the woman became visibly distressed.

George Herald reached out to Van Druten's newly appointed attorney, Linda Mfuduka, for comment on Thursday 29 January. He acknowledged receipt, but indicated that he was unable to obtain a formal response from his client before the time of going to press.

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