Couple charged with murder and kidnapping in Melkbosstrand case
Pather was last seen leaving his home in Richwood in his Blue BMW 1 Series on July 13.
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A woman appeared in the Atlantis Magistrate's Court on Wednesday alongside her lover, accused of murdering a man whose body was found burnt in Melkbosstrand.
Stacey Lee Hector, 39, and Wade van Reenen, 39, are accused of murdering Malcolm Pather, 41, after his body was found burnt beyond recognition in a vehicle in Old Mamre Darling Road, Melkbosstrand, on July 14.
The court heard that Hector was due to make her first appearance on July 28 following her arrest on July 25, however she attempted to commit suicide and was admitted to hospital.
Hector was joined by Van Reenen in the dock on Wednesday, as the two were seen chatting away, while Hector placed her head on his shoulder as the two returned to the holding cells.
The court further heard that the accused are facing additional charges of kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice.
Pather was last seen leaving his home in Richwood in his Blue BMW 1 Series on July 13, however his phone was switched off that same day, and while his car was later found in Mitchell's Plain, he was nowhere to be found.
It is alleged that he had booked a session with believed sex worker Hector in Table View on the day of his disappearance.
Pather, though, apparently walked into a trap, with it being believed that he was ambushed and extorted by the couple.
The State said that they would be opposing their bail as the witnesses are known to the accused and said they would attempt to evade their trial.
The court heard that Van Reenen had a previous conviction for drugs and their case was postponed to August 4. They remain in custody.
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