Evanstostandtrialforgirlfriend’smurderinNovember
SHANTI JAFTA
GQEBERHA businessman Rob Evans appeared brieflyinthe Gqeberha High Court on Wednesday, 22 July,for hispre-trial conference.
Evansisaccused of premeditated murder, attempted murder,kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice in connection withthe death of his then 36-year-old girlfriend, Vanessa van Rensburg,inApril 2025.The court heard that Evans’sdefence hadreceivedall the necessary documentsfromthe State andindicatedthatit would be ready for trial.
As he stepped down from the dock,Evans thanked the family members present in court, seemingly expressing his gratitude fortheir support.
PE Express extensively reported on the case in 2025, includingthat Evans broke down in tears while reading his bail affidavit in the Humansdorp Magistrate’s Court
Evans firmly stated that he wouldnot plead guilty and argued that he was the sole provider for his wife and three daughters, emphasising hiscriticalroleatAlgoa Plastics
Duringhis bailapplication, Evans painted apicture of his13-year relationshipwithVan Rensburg as mostly blissful, describingitas “99% fairytale, 1% stormy”
He portrayedVan Rensburgasalovedpartnerwho becamevolatileand aggressivewhen consuming alcohol. Evans revealed that he had knownher since she first worked at AlgoaPlastics,where he described her as an excellent employee in accountsand sales.
State prosecutor Bianca Burger presented evidenceofwhat she described as apatternofvio-
lencebyEvans, including images and videosof previousincidents. She detailed an incident at theOld Grey restaurant where Evans allegedly slapped apatron, as well as alate-2024 incident in which Van Rensburgallegedly jumped from hismovingvehicle on 10th Avenue, Walmer and was later droppedoff with extensivebruising
PE Express also reported that the kidnapping chargestems froma neighbour’s testimony that Van Rensburg wasallegedly locked inside Evans’s bakkie for40minutes.
The attempted murder charge relates to aFebruary 2025 incident in whichEvansallegedly dropped Van Rensburgoff with cuts to her head and blood dripping down her face.
The court previously heard that the post-mortem revealed 23 wounds on Van Rensburg’s body. Burger said the alleged murder weapon was awhisky bottle found in abin at Evans’s Oyster Bay residence. Burger also showed images of scratch marks on Evans’s body, arguing: “Vanessa was scratching you because she was fighting for her life,” while Evansmaintained a “no comment” stance.
The post-mortem also showed that one of Van Rensburg's ribshad been broken and had puncturedher lung,contradicting Evans’s earlier claim that her son had caused the injury.
Burger laid out atimeline showing that Evans left agathering early on 19 April 2025, apparently angry, and that Van Rensburg died at about 22:00, whilesecurity was only alerted at 01:30.
PE Express previously reported that investigating officerWarrant Officer Xolile Kato testified that Evans had the capability to commit the assault that led to Van Rensburg’s death, stating that“all evidence leadstoEvans being the murderer as they were the only two people
Local businessman Rob Evansappearedbriefly in the Gqeberha High Court on Wednesday, 22 July
PHOTO: SHANTI JAFTA
in the house”.
Kato described arriving at the crime scene at approximately 02:00 on 20 April 2025 and finding Van Rensburg's body on the floor.
State prosecutor Marius Stander argued that Evans was on a“self-destructive mission from February to April”, engaging in multiple violent incidents beforeVan Rensburg’s death.
Stander questioned how Evans could explain only one of the 23 post-mortem injuries while refusing to comment on the other 22. He described the relationship as “sick” and said it was “a questionoftimebefore somebody gets killed”, noting that even Evans’s own brother “was not
shocked that Vanessa was dead”.
Stander described the scene as having “blood everywhere” and argued that the murder was premeditated, pointing to the three-and-a-halfhour gap between VanRensburg’s death and Evans calling security.
The Gqeberha High Court denied Evans bail for asecond time, with Judge Nyameko Gqamana ruling that Evans had failed to prove exceptional circumstances existed to justifyhis release in the interests of justice.
Evans has remained in custody since his arrest on 9May 2025. His trial is scheduled to run from 3to21November 2026.
NelsonMandelaBay,SpanishChamberspartnertoboosttrade,investment
THENelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber has signed astrategicMemorandum of Understanding(MoU)withthe SpanishChamber of Commerce in South Africa (SCCSA), marking astep towards
ment, innovationand economic growth for both Spain andNelsonMandela Bay,” she said. “Spain is asignificant, global economy with strengths in sectors such as renew
logistics, tourism andtechnology, this agreement creates new opportunities for innovation, international partnerships and market expansion,”hesaid. Theagreement will remaininforce for an initialperiodofthree years.
Deputymayorhitsbackatremovalbid
NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
AMOTION seeking the removal of Nelson Mandela Bay Deputy Executive MayorGary van Niekerk has exposed deepening divisions within the metro’s coalition government.
Responding to the Motion of Exigency on 16 July,Van Niekerk claimed the movefollowed hispubliccriticism of the administrationand hisefforts to address ongoing service delivery failures
“Itappears to follow my recent publiccriticism of the administration and my continued efforts to hold the municipalityaccountable for the serious service delivery challenges confronting our city,” he shared in astatement. VanNiekerk added that he made “noapology” for advocating on behalf of residents and using “every lawful and appropriate avenue available” to improveservice delivery andrestorepublicconfidence in local government.
AccordingtoVan Niekerk,hehas written to theEastern Cape MECfor Cooperative Governanceand Traditional Affairs(COGTA), the Minister of Electricity and Energy andthe MinisterofWater and Sanitation requesting urgent intervention and technical support to help themunicipality address its electricity and water crises
His statement follows aformal representation he submittedtothe MEC for COGTA on 2July,
ahead of theprovincialgovernment’s planned engagement with the municipality.
In theletter, Van Niekerk alleged thathis effortstoimplement practical service delivery programmes had been “consistently obstructed” by Executive MayorBabalwa Lobishe.
He said his proposed Rapid Turnaround Strategy, also referred to as “Operation Top 100–Restoring PrideinNelson Mandela Bay”, was designed to tackle some of the municipality’s most pressing service delivery challenges.
Theplan included repairing potholes, fixing water leaks, restoring street lighting andtraffic signals, clearing illegaldumping, cutting grass andmaintaining road verges.
“TheRapid Turnaround Strategy was therefore not simply aproposal. It was apractical, implementation-ready programme supported by the administration, aligned with the approvedoperational budget and designed to deliverimmediate and visible improvements acrossNelson Mandela Bay,”Van Niekerk wrote.
However,healleged that the strategywas neverallowed to proceed.
“Imustrespectfully place on record that my effortstoimplement meaningful service delivery programmes have been consistently obstructed by the Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe,”hesaid.
Van Niekerk further claimed that initiatives aimedatimproving residents' daily lives re-
peatedly failed to receive the political support needed forimplementation.
He alleged thishad contributed to deteriorating infrastructure, poor service delivery and declining public confidenceinthe municipality.
Meanwhile, Van Niekerk is also facing criminalcharges before the Gqeberha Specialised CommercialCrimes Court. He has been chargedwith alleged contraventions of the Cybercrimes Actand the Municipal Finance Management Act(MFMA).
According to the State, Van Niekerk allegedly instructed Boqwana Burns Attorneys and McWilliams &Elliott Attorneys to provide legalservices on two occasions in June and December 2022 while falsely representing himself as both acouncillor and Speaker of Council.
Thelegal services allegedly amounted to more than R550 000, which the municipality allegedly refused to paybecausethey had not been approved by the acting city manager.
TheHawks further allegethat Van Niekerk authored and dispatched aletter to attorneys in Gqeberha falsely claiming to be the Speaker of the NelsonMandela Bay Metro MunicipalCouncil. He is expected to return to court on Wednesday,29July, after thematter was postponed for further proceedings,including discussions around apossible plea agreement.
Despite the motion against him, Van Niekerk said he would respect the democraticprocesses of councilshould the matter come beforecouncillors.
Newchapterfor DavidLivingstone school
DAVID Livingstone Senior Secondary School in Schauderville,officiallyopened anew chapter on Thursday 23 July, when Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane handedover the redeveloped campus, markingthe completion of ayears-long infrastructureproject aimed at improving teaching and learning. The ceremony was attended by learners, educators, government officials and community members, who gathered to celebrate the completion of theupgradedschool
EasternCapeMEC forEducation Fundile Gade saidthe redevelopmentreflected government’scommitment to providing safe, modernand well-equipped schools that wouldprepare learners forfuturecareers.
“The official handover of David Livingstone SeniorSecondary Schoolisasignificant milestoneinadvancing quality education andexpanding access to world-class learning facilities,” he said.“This investment reflects government'scommitment to creating safe,
PE Express sent questions to Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality on 6July regarding the allegations contained in Van Niekerk’s openletter. Follow-up questions, including those relating to theMotion of Exigencyand Van Niekerk’s 16 July statement,were sent on 23 July. No response hadbeen received by thetime of publication
modern and well-equipped schools thatempower learners with the knowledge, skills and opportunities needed to excel.”
Gadesaidstrengtheningteachingand learning,particularly in science, technology,engineering and mathematics (STEM), would help prepare learners forcareers as doctors, engineers, teachers, artisans, entrepreneurs and otherprofessionals who would shape the future of thecountry
House Chairpersonfor Committees, Oversight and PublicParticipation, Cedric Frolick, said the school had producedgenerations of leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, educators and active citizens, and that the new facilities would buildonthat proudlegacy
“The official handover of DavidLivingstone Senior Secondary School is acelebrationofwhat canbeachievedwhengovernment and communitiesworktogether to invest in the futureofour children,”he said.
In astatementfollowing the handover, the ANCinthe EasternCapewelcomed the officialopening of the school, describing it as aR149.6millioninvestmentthatdemonstrates the party’s commitment to improvingpublic education
Schoolprincipal, Ashley Stuurman, reflected on the school’s academicjourney and said the upgraded facilities would provide learners with an environment where they couldthrive.
“Every doctor,engineer, teacher, entrepreneur,scientist and leader begins their journey in aclassroom,” he said.“Through itscommitment to academic excellenceand inclusiveeducation,the school is nurturing the next generation of professionals and changemakers.”
According to the Officeofthe Premier,the redevelopment includes newclassrooms, amodern administrationblock, ascience laboratory, alibrary,a computerroom,upgraded ablution facilities, sports facilities, improved security infrastructure andextensiveexternal works to create amodern learning environment.
TheANC said the upgradedcampusprovides learnersand educators with modern classrooms, upgradedscienceand computer laboratories, improvedadministration facilities,enhancedaccessibility anda safe learning environment
Theofficialhandover marksthe completion of aproject thathas been yearsinthe making.While the provincialgovernment celebrated the completion of the redevelopment, the DemocraticAlliance (DA) said the projectbegan in 2014 andwas originally scheduled forcompletion in June 2019.
Theparty claimsthe project’s budgetincreasedfromR71.5milliontoareported R170 million andhas called forthe matter to be referred to the EasternCapeLegislature’s StandingCommittee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) foraninvestigation into the delays,costescalation,payment issues andaccountability.
Nelson Mandela Bay DeputyExecutiveMayor Garyvan Niekerk.
Fundile Gade,EasternCape MEC for Education.
FirstpublicPinkRescueBuoysinstalledinNelsonMandelaBay
NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
AFLASH of bright pink nowstands watch over North End Lake.
On the eve of World Drowning Prevention Day marked on 25 July, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) installed the first Pink Rescue Buoys in apublicspace in NelsonMandela Bay.
The three life-saving flotation devices were installed on Friday,24July, through apartnership betweenthe NSRI, the North End Business Cluster and the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber,withpermission from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
The initiativeaims to improve water safety and help prevent drownings atinland waterways across the metro.
NSRI Station 6Gqeberha station commander, Mark Dawson, saidbringingthe
beena lengthy process.
“Ithas taken averylong time. This whole project started in 2017; we haven’t been able to putanything up until now, and the NelsonMandela Bay Business Chamber has been completely instrumental in getting thisacrossthe line.”
Dawsonsaidthe NSRI currently has permissionto install the Pink Rescue Buoys onlyatinlandwaterways in NelsonMandelaBay.
“Right nowwewon’tbeinstalling at beaches. We hope that it canchange in the future,”hesaid. “If youlook at our statistics, we do get alot of drowningsinrivers anddams,soour first step as NSRI is to get these installed where we cansowecan make adifferencethere.”
He said the flotation devices couldprove criticalduring the first few minutes of a water emergency
“We kn there etim fo xample,
theirfriends and if these are here,theycan be thrown to those children, so thatinthe veryleast, they canhelp them float until someone canactually help.”
More than 2,100 Pink RescueBuoyshave been installed at beaches, dams,rivers and other swimming areas acrossSouth Africa since the programmewas launchedinNovember 2017, contributing to more than260 successful bystander rescues nationwide
The rollout in NelsonMandela Bayiscurrently limited to inland waterways, with the NSRI hoping permission will eventuallybe granted to install the life-savingdevices at localbeaches.
North EndBusiness Cluster chairman, Geoff Mendelowitz,saidthe organisation sponsored the three buoys at acostofR6,000.
“There is definitely aneed forthese buoys all over Nelson Mandela Bay.”
Mendelowitz said everyinland waterbody carriedarisk.
“Anywherethatyou have open waterand a lake,there is always arisk. Around 260 lives have been savednationally. It is aworthwhileproject.”
He said the cluster hoped the initiative would help prevent future tragedies,particularly amongyoung people.
“Weare aware thata lot of youngsters still can't swim andget into trouble in the water. If it could save alife, jobdoneand we are happy.”
Afurther two Pink Rescue Buoysare expected to be installedatVan Stadens River Resort in the coming weeks through sponsorshipfromBuhlebendalo Properties, with the NSRI hoping to expandthe initiativeto more dams andrivers across Nelson Mandela Bay.
Lastchancefortoplearnerstoenter
SISKA MARTIN
MATRIC learners from across South Africa who excel in leadership, academics, cultureand sport, and who plan to studyatthe University of the FreeState (UFS) next year,haveonlyuntil Friday 31 July to enter the UFS and Novus Media's Matriculant of the Year competition.
The top 25 participants standachance to win bursaries,cash prizes and gifts worth approximately R500 000. The prizes are sponsored by UFS Student Recruitment Services, the Kovsie Alumni Trust, Forvis Mazars, Absa andPickn Pay Preller Walk.
Learners may enter themselves or be nominatedbytheir schools. Following theselection process, 25 semifinalists will be chosen, after which14finalists will compete in the final round in Bloemfontein from 5to7October.
For three first-year UFS students, thecompetition was about far more than winning prizes They say it boosted their confidence, helped them form lasting friendships andmadethe transition from schooltouniversity mucheasier.
MeganJohnson,who is studying medicine this year, says the competition taughther to believeinherself
“Thecompetition taught metohaveconfidence in myself and stay true to who Iam. Afterthe competition, Ifelt far moreconfident during interviews and whenanswering difficult questions without preparation.”
According to Johnson, the friendships she formed during the final round madeher first days on campusmucheasier
“I alreadyhad people Icould connectwith. Three of the girls Imet there are now my best friends.”
Heradvicetothis year’s entrants is to enjoy every moment of the experience.
“You’ve already done the hard work to qualify. Now take the opportunity to meetnew peopleand create lasting memories.”
Samantha Mynhardt, also afirst-yearmedical student, says the competition helped her
recogniseher own potential.
“Theinterviews, in particular, taught me to trustmyself, think on my feet and notbeafraid to let myvoice be heard. Irealised Icould be proudofwho Iam.”
Shesays it wasamajor advantagetoalready know people on campus before the academic yearstarted.
“Don’t see the competition as just another contest, but as an opportunity to meet people you’ll be studying alongside over the next few years.”
Michelle Jacobs, who is studying towards a Bachelor of Sciencespecialising in Biological Sciences,says the competition helped her realise that shebelonged among other high achievers
“The experienceboosted my self-confidence tremendouslyand challenged me in ways I would never have pushed myself to do.”
She says the people she met during the competition continue to play an important role in her university life.
“Neverdoubt yourself. Take the leapand enter. What is meant for you will find its wayto you.”
Scan the QR code to download and complete the entry form. Submit it to Linda Greyling at greylinl@ufs.ac.za by 31 July
KhulilePrimarycelebratesnew AI,codingandroboticslab
SELBY MADIKANE
IT wasa joyful and exciting occasion as Isuzu Motors South Africa handed over aR2 million, brand-new artificial intelligence, codingand robotics laboratory to Khulile Primary School in Motherwellrecently.
According to IsuzuMotors SA Department Executive for Corporate Affairs, Nandi Matomela, thehandover of this laboratory wasinlinewith efforts to ensure that Khulile Primary School learners were equipped with future-ready digital skills which would helpthem to take part in atechnology-driven economy
Matomela said, “We at Isuzu Motors SA stronglybelieve that this initiative demonstrates thatpreparingyoung people for the future starts with accesstoday.Furthermore, as industriescontinue to evolve into more advanced stages through digitaltransformation andautomation, every learner deservesthe opportunity to be exposed to and take part meaningfully in tomorrow’s economy.”
DeputyMinisterofBasic Education, Dr Makgabo Reginah Mhaule, commended Isuzu Motors SA for uplifting thestandard of education.
“Governmentcannot transform education alone. We are delightedthat Isuzu Motors SA has joined us in this journey of education transformation,” said Dr Mhaule.
It was highlightedbyIsuzu Motors SA that thelaboratory wasa partnership with Sifiso EdTech through theFuture Nation Foundation to empowerKhulile Primary School learners from Grade RtoGrade7 Xoliswa Mahlangu,Head of Digital Learningand Technology at Sifiso, said, “Coding,
Cutting the ribbontoKhulile
Dr Makgabo Reginah Mhaule (Deputy Minister of DBE) andNandi Matomela(IsuzuSAMotors Department Executive Corporate Affairs).
robotics and AI helpshapethe world for our children by enablingthem to become analytical people,critical thinkers and creative innovators, and build their confidence at thesame time. This initiative will helpopen doors forour children to thecareers and opportunities of tomorrow.”
KhulilePrimary principal,LindaNonxuba,said,“We are excited to see our learners developthe confidence and knowledge needed to competeinarapidly changing digital world.”
PrimarySchool’sAI, coding and robotics laboratoryare NMBMExecutive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe, Linda Nonxuba (Khulile Primaryprincipal),
PHOTO: SELBY MADIKANE
Ross’steamtakes thirdplacein holidaytournament
days. They reached the semi-finals andfinished thirdout of 12 teams. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Localfamilyshinesinslotcarracing
ALOCALfamily is making their mark in the competitive world of slot car racing, combining ashared hobby with impressiveresultsonthe national stage.
Parents Diana and Juan-Pierre van Zyl,together with their children, Alexa (11) and Sébastien (7), recently competed at the SAMCA National event in Cape Townfrom 8to11July 2026, where they achieved podium and top-six finishes.
Juan-Pierre secured sixth place in the Amateur Sportsclass, while Alexa claimed third place in the Junior Production class and fourthinthe Junior Sports class. Sébastien finished sixth in the Junior Production class and fifthinthe Junior Sports class.
The Cape Townevent was not the family’s first national outing thisyear. In April, they competed in the first SAMCA Grand Prix Nationals of the year in Brakpan, where Alexa also claimed third place in Junior Production and fourth in Junior Sports. She wasadditionally awarded theGolden Hands trophy, recognising her exceptional skill and dedication as the topmarshalofthe event. Sébastien matched hissister’sperformance with a fourth place in Junior Sports and third in Junior Production.
There are three SAMCA Grand Prix Nationalsheld each year,and the Van Zyl
family has now competed in two of the three 2026 events.
In September, the PEMRCC (PE Model Racing Car Club)will host thethird and
tunitytowitness thesportfirst-hand
finalSAMCA Nationals of the year at Baywest Shopping Centre in Gqeberha, giving local racing enthusiaststhe oppor-
Parents Diana and Juan-Pierre van Zyl, andtheir children,Alexa (11) and Sébastien (7), are slot car racing enthusiasts. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Ross Samuels, aGrade 4learner atKabega PrimarySchool, and his football team competed in atournamenthostedbyGqeberha Saints Football Club during theschoolholi-