David van Boven, the man arrested for the murder of UWC student Jesse Hess and her oupa, as well as the rape of a 16-year-old girl, abandoned his bail application at the Wynberg Magistrates' Court on
Friday.
Van Boven only appeared for the Hanover Park rape charge, and he will be appearing in the Bellville Magistrates’ court on Wednesday for the double murder.
His decision not to fight for freedom was met with relief by Jesse’s aunt, Sandy Hess.
She said: “We are relieved and happy that he won’t be coming out now.”
MURDERED: Jesse Hess, 19
Van Boven faced angry protesters waving placards as detectives drove him to court in an unmarked vehicle.
He entered the dock wearing a grey hoodie covering his head and face, but was told by the magistrate to remove it.
Van Boven was arrested in Struisbaai on Thursday following a tip-off by residents. The state said he was known to the victims.
In the Hess case, it is believed that he is a relation and that this could account for their being no sign of forced entry at the murder scene.
The Hess family on Sunday clarified that Van Boven was not related to Jesse or the Hess family.
They said he is related to Sandy Hess, nee Martin, who was previously married to a Hess brother.
Jesse’s aunt, Sandy Hess (middle). Picture: Genevieve Serra
Jesse was found dead on her bed, while Chris Lategan was found tied up and gagged in the toilet of their one-bedroom flat.
A TV set, two cellphones and Jesse’s backpack were stolen from the house.
In the Hanover Park case, family told the Daily Voice that Van Boven was engaged to the teen’s aunt.
Prosecutors are set to prove Van Boven, allegedly raped the teen and attacked her and a 19-year-old female relative, before fleeing with stolen items.
COMMUNITY OUTCRY Angry mense protest outside the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court.
Senior state prosecutor Advocate Emily van Wyk told the court: “This is the accused’s first appearance and he is charged with rape, robbery aggravated and attempted murder.
“The (rape) victim is 16. The State is opposing bail. This is a schedule 6 offence.”
She also revealed that Van Boven was previously convicted of rape and drug-related cases and was out on parole when he allegedly raped the teen.
“He was identified by the victims and is well-known to the victims.”
KILLED: Oupa Chris Lategan.
Van Wyk asked that the Hanover Park rape matter be postponed to 14 February for further investigation and DNA results.
Semen was apparently found at both the Hess and Hanover Park scenes.
Van Boven’s legal aid lawyer said they would not be applying for bail at this stage as more charges could be added: “My client’s instruction is that there is no application for bail.
“More charges are possible to be added and we will wait for the outcome of that.”
As Van Boven returned to the holding cells, he covered his face again, which angered mense in the gallery and someone shouted: “ Pappa wag vir jou, jy is ‘n gemors.”