Nicolas le Roux, 67, accused of fatally shooting his wife, Tarryn, at a Westville restaurant, failed to appear for his bail application at the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on yesterday.

Le Roux, a former member of the South African National Defence Force special forces, did not respond when called at Westville Prison for transportation to court. Reasons for his no-show are yet to emerge.

He faces five charges, including premeditated murder, handling a firearm under the influence of a substance, possession of a firearm or ammunition with intent to cause an offence or resist arrest, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of unlicensed ammunition.

Public prosecutor Cameron Roode requested a remand to ensure Le Roux’s presence in court was secured. Le Roux is also regarded as a flight risk as he was supposed to leave the country for Somalia. 

Mandisi Mathebula, Le Roux’s lawyer from Legal Aid, informed the court that he will be withdrawing from the case.

“My instructions from my office are to withdraw, as the accused did not pass the means test for the services. He exceeds the threshold of R9,100,” Mathebula explained. 

Mathebula said he would be contacting Le Roux’s family so they could arrange a private attorney for him.

Tarryn’s family, present in court, expressed frustration when Magistrate T Nsele postponed the matter to Monday.

“We were hoping to look him in the eye. We are frustrated that he is not here,” family spokesperson, Lisa Beresford-Mnyandu, stated

She added that they had hoped to hear details during the bail application, including the court’s decision regarding Le Roux.

Beresford-Mnyandu fondly described her aunt Tarryn as “a light in every room she entered. Her laughter and joy touched everyone she met. Although our hearts are heavy, her spirit continues to shine brightly with us.” 

She also conveyed gratitude for the community’s support and prayers, noting that “Tarryn’s parents were deeply grateful and touched by the community’s love”.

Beresford-Mnyandu appealed for donations to support Tarryn’s Grade 11 son, Daniel, who will now be raised by their grandparents living solely on a pension.

“Any donation would help immensely to pay for everyday bills and education-related expenses for Daniel. It be a massive help,” she pleaded. 

She said a BackaBuddy link has been set up for donations; https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/rip-beloved-taryn.

nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za

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