Artist Bevan van Druten Faces Murder Charges In Ex-Cop’s Death

True crime certainly isn’t confined to the USA, Canada and Europe and this week, the focus sits on Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route in the Western Cape in South Africa. There, an artist, Bevan van Druten, faces charges of the murder of a former police detective. Read on for more details.

Plett – An Artsy Cultural Vibe

If you’ve ever been to the Western Cape in South Africa, you’ll know that art and culture are a huge draw card in Plettenberg Bay, affectionalty known as Plett. Stunning ocean views, mountains, and mild weather bring a jet-setting vibe for locals and international visitors. Art walks are popular, as is whale watching and natural preserves. But even there, true crime exists.

53-year-old Bevan was known mostly for his incredible gift. Often, he took flotsam and jetsam from the beaches and turned it into beautiful detailed sculptures. In fact, formerly from Wilderness, he quickly made a name for himself as a master of driftwood. His beautiful carvings seemed lifelike and included animals like prowling lions and birds taking flight.

Charged With Murder

The artist became famous and clients from all over the world treasure his artwork to this day. Notably, he featured the 2024 Plett Arts Festival. But, for now, he’s a suspect for the true crime of murder. It all started on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

Police officers responded to a call when a female was heard screaming near the Keurbooms River. Per The Herald, he’d recently started dating Nicky van Heerden, 54. However, she was found dead.

Nicky van Heerden wasn’t a softy, as she was a former police detective. So, if Bevan van Druten killed her, she might have been caught off guard.

The story goes that the cops arrested Van Druten right there, near the river. Naturally, everyone who heard about it felt deeply shocked. After all, how does a celebrated local artist end up in handcuffs for the death of a former cop?

The Courtroom Drama

Van Druten appeared in court on Wednesday this week and his defense seems to be technical. As far as he’s concerned, things didn’t follow the correct procedure and he claimed that nobody read him his rights. Additionally, he complained that he should have seen a judge within 48 hours of his detention.

Well, the case didn’t conclude with a trial this week, and the magistrate postponed the case to January 26. On that date, Bevan van Druten will apply for bail. However, the prosecutors have no intention of letting that happen. Additionally, the artist was told that he must see a specialist for observation.

Other Allegations

For now, Bevan remains in police custody and has not taken a plea of guilt or not guilty.

According to @newsroomza on Instagram, “The court has also heard that at least six women previously sought protection orders against Van Druten, with allegations including harassment, intimidation and threats.” However, we’re not able to find any other mainstream sources to verify that at this time.

We’ll continue to follow the story of the artist who allegedly killed a fun-loving, dog-loving ex detective in the paradise known as Plettenberg Bay. So remember to check back with us for all your true crime news and updates.