Candice Robertson murder accused back in court

Candice Robertson was found dead in a guest house in Green Point.

The man accused of killing his girlfriend in a guest house in Green Point remains in police custody after his latest court appearance.

Ettiene van der Merwe, who appeared in Cape Town magistrate’s court on Friday May 27, faces charges of murder in connection with the death of Candice Robertson who was found dead in their room on Saturday April 30.

According to Ms Robertson’s friend Karen Kwalie who started a petition to oppose bail and has been attending all Mr Van der Merwe’s court appearances, the case was postponed to Monday June 6. Sea Point SAPS, however, were unable to confirm this at the time of publication.

Mr Van der Merwe was arrested on Saturday April 30 after he had allegedly called the owner of the guest house that he and Ms Robertson had been staying at to report that Ms Robertson seemed to have committed suicide in the room.

According to Sea Point police spokesperson Captain Cyril Dicks, SAPS and medics on the scene started doubting that she had committed suicide and Mr Van der Merwe was arrested as soon as he returned from the shop.

Ms Robertson’s sister, Chantal Isaacs, said when she found out about her sister’s death from her mother, she was saddened and angered.

She said while she knew her sister had been dating Mr van der Merwe for about four years, she knew very little about him. “I only know he is a vegetarian and into paddle boarding and rope climbing. They were very much into camping and hiking – nature people.”

Ms Isaacs said Ms Robertson’s daughter, who is 15, is staying with her dad and stepmother.

Meanwhile, the petition to keep Mr Van der Merwe from getting bail, and to raise awareness about gender-based violence, had, at the time of publication, been signed by 2 152 supporters.

To sign the petition, visit change.org and search for Candice Robertson.