An elderly man from Bethulie, who appeared in the local Magistrates Court yesterday for allegedly murdering his wife, has been released on a warning. The 67-year-old, Leroy Steenkamp, was released after his wife, Avril, was found dead in an empty bath tub in the couple’s house on Wednesday in the early morning hours. Police spokesperson, Yanga Ngcukana, said Steenkamp called one of their children in Cape Town at about 01:30 with the information that he thinks their mother has died. Steenkamp’s children alerted police in Bethulie. According to Ngcukana, Avril’s body had visible bruises all over. Empty wine boxes and loose cigarettes were found on the floor in the house. Ngcuakana says Steenkamp was released on warning pending the results of the postmortem.
He is not a flight risk and his age was also brought into account, he says.)
Steenkamp will be back in court on July 20. Police suspects the murder might be a result of domestic violence. – Christal-Lize Muller
