SANParks murder suspect denied bail

The body of 27-year-old Felicia Oktober was found in a pool of blood in her Diepwalle-home’s kitchen on August 25, with 13 stab wounds including a slit throat.

Her 29-year-old partner, Gary van Rensburg, was arrested in George in connection with the crime on August 26.

He applied for bail on Tuesday, but his bail was denied after the court found that there were no exceptional circumstances warranting his release.

About 100 friends, family and members of the Diepwalle community – who packed the courtroom wearing T-shirts with the victim’s name on – broke out in applause and cheering when bail was denied.

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“It doesn’t bring my daughter back, but it feels like a weight has been lifted,” the victim’s father Philip Oktober said after proceedings.

The court heard details about Oktober’s final hours and how the couple had allegedly had a rocky relationship including suspicions of an affair.

Investigating officer Constable Claudine Constabel told the court that on the day of the murder members of Oktober’s family suspected something was wrong and went to her house to investigate. When they arrived they allegedly found that all the doors, gates and windows of her home had been locked.

She said a neighbour then got a ladder and peered through a window where he saw a pool of blood on the floor and blood splatters against the wall.

Family and friends then forced their way inside by using a tar pole to break down a door and found Oktober’s body in the kitchen.

“Police found three knifes as well as a panga on the scene. One of the knives’ blades was bent and the panga was found above her head,” Constabel said.

She said that Oktober sustained 13 stab wounds including to her throat, head, left cheek, stomach and the back of her neck.

“Police also found a piece of flesh with hair on the scene, suggesting it was pulled from her head.”

Van Rensburg indicated that he intended to plead not guilty.