End Of The Road For Former Fugitive And Murderer
Former fugitive from justice and murderer Gerhardus Jansen van Vuuren was convicted by the High Court of South Africa Gauteng Local Division, Johannesburg. Jansen van Vuuren was convicted of premeditated murder, for stabbing his girlfriend, Andrea Venter, multiple times, resulting in her death in 2011. Venter's throat was slit by Jansen van Vuuren, next to the exit of the complex she resided in, as she ran towards the guard house to seek help. He was further convicted on a charge of assault, that relates to the assault of the security officer, Thulani Ndlovu who was on guard duty on the day of the incident.
Ndlovu had detailed that at 06h20 on 2 May 2011, he heard a woman screaming, he then stepped out of the guard house and saw the deceased run towards the guard house. She was chased by the accused and unfortunately tripped and fell. The accused lifted her head and cut her throat. He then approached Ndlovu and pointed a knife at him. Ndlovu ran back to the guard house where he locked himself up and called for backup. Jansen van Vuuren was supposed to stand trial on 20 May 2013, in the South Gauteng High Court but fled South Africa a few days before the start of the trial in May 2013. He was rearrested in June 2020, in Brazil, and extradited to SA to face both charges.
Acting Judge Ian Cox, dismissed Janse van Vuuren's defence, of non-pathological criminal incapacity at the time the offence was committed and said that Senior State Adv. Rolene Barnard, working closely with investigating officer, Sergeant Felix Mthimkhulu succeeded in proving that the accused committed the murder of the deceased in premeditation.
The case is scheduled for 27 July 2022, for sentencing proceedings.
Issued by:
Phindi Mjonondwane
NPA Regional Spokesperson-Gauteng Local Division
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