19 hours ago
AfriForum to assist in investigation into ex-cop's alleged murder by life partner
A retired police detective has turned to AfriForum's private prosecution unit for assistance as he fears the SAPS has not gathered all available evidence in the murder case involving his daughter, who was also a former police detective.
Barry Bateman, spokesperson for the unit, told TimesLIVE it is representing retired colonel Willie Steyn and his family, after his daughter, Riana Nel, was brutally assaulted and left for dead before away dying in a hospital about a week later.
'Mauritz Andries Rheeder, Nel's partner, is accused of committing the crime and is in custody pending a bail application,' Bateman said.
Rheeder, who is also a former police officer, is accused of assaulting Nel on the night of May 31 in the couple's shared flat in Mthatha, then allegedly staging the scene to make it appear as if she had been murdered.
'However, she did not die at the scene, and after a family member intervened, Nel was taken to hospital. Nel sustained severe head injuries and her body was covered in scratches and bruises. She died in the hospital on June 6 without regaining full consciousness or being able to explain what happened.'
