The two men accused of murdering UWC student Jesse Hess and her oupa Chris Lategan are set to go on trial at the Western Cape High Court later this year.
David van Boven, 31, and Tasliem “Boontjie” Ambrose, 37, returned to the Bellville Magistrates’ Court on Friday where they were informed that the indictment was ready and the matter would now be moved to the High Court.
The violent deaths of the young theology student and her 85-year-old oupa sparked an outcry when their bodies were found on 30 August last year after an alleged house robbery.
Chris was found tied up and gagged in the toilet of their one-bedroom flat in Parow.
There was no sign of forced entry.
SUSPECTS: David van Boven, Tasliem Ambrose
Van Boven, an alleged member of the 28s gang, was arrested several months later after he was outed as the suspect who raped a 16-year-old girl in Hanover Park and held her hostage.
Van Boven went on the run and was later found hiding in Struisbaai.
Boontjie was arrested several days later.
Jesse’s father, Lance, says even though they were not allowed to attend court, they are happy the case was being moved and progress is made.
“Due to the restrictions with Covid-19 we were unable to be at court, but the advocate on the case called to say the matter was being moved to the High Court and they will go for the first pre-trial hearing on 23 October.
“There have been some delays, which I understand due to the virus, but we are just happy there is progress and closer to finding out what happened.”