Magistrate Romay van Rooyen Cape Town

Magistrate Romay van Rooyen was found murdered in her Cape Town home on Saturday, 10 September. Images: Facebook.

Nephew accused of killing Magistrate abandons bail application

Cassidy Hartzenberg, 18, abandoned his bail application. He is accused of murdering his aunt, Magistrate Romay van Rooyen, in September.

Magistrate Romay van Rooyen Cape Town

Magistrate Romay van Rooyen was found murdered in her Cape Town home on Saturday, 10 September. Images: Facebook.

Cassidy Hartzenberg made his second appearance in the Simon’s Town Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 6 October. He is accused of murdering his aunt, Romay van Rooyen, who was a Magistrate is Vredenburg, Western Cape.

INVESTIGATION INTO MAGISTRATE VAN ROOYEN’S MURDER CONTINUES

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the accused is charged with van Rooyen’s murder and the theft of her vehicle.

The State received word during the week that Hartzenberg wanted to abandon his bail application, according to EWN.

The eighteen-year-old was remanded in custody until 8 November while the investigation into the matter continues.

Hartzenberg allegedly strangled Magistrate van Rooyen in her Marina Da Gama home before stealing her car and cash.

Her body was discovered by a family member on 10 September and a day later her vehicle was recovered in Mitchells Plain by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

A few weeks later, the Hawks arrested the Magistrate’s nephew at his Mitchells Plain home on Tuesday, 27 September.

Magistrate van Rooyen’s family said her death has been a huge loss. Her brother, Taswell, told SABC News that she was an inspiration to all and broke barriers for women in the family. “She was the first one to go to university, she was the first one that got a degree, and she was just determined,” he said.

“The safety of our judicial officers remains an utmost priority. Magistrate Van Rooyen’s untimely passing is a devastating loss to our judiciary and our courts. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends and colleagues,” said Minister of Justice, Ronald Lamola, after her passing.

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