Rohde bail bid as probe into wife’s death goes on

MURDER accused Jason Rohde is expected to make a formal bail application tomorrow, as the state further investigates the circumstances of his wife’s murder.

Rohde made his first appearance at the Stellenbosch Magistrate’s Court last Thursday in connection with the murder of his wife, Susan Rohde, 47. She was found dead at Spier Wine Estate in Stellenbosch on July 24, reportedly with the cord of a hair-straightening iron around her neck.

Rohde, also 47, is the chief executive of Sotheby’s International Realty South Africa.

Yesterday Rohde’s lawyer, Daniel Witz, said the State was to establish his client’s financial position, analyse DNA evidence and information on Susan Rohde’s phone and laptop.

“He (Rohde) is staying strong, despite all the odds. He is staying resolute.

“He is thinking of his three daughters and the family is sending him their support,” Witz said.

Rohde was in court again last Friday after the State asked for a postponement for further investigation into information that surfaced on Thursday.

A post-mortem suggests Susan was strangled and smothered, and after her death, injuries were inflicted on her neck.

Rohde’s defence team says she committed suicide by hanging herself.