2 suspects held on murder charge in Van Rooyen death
POLICE have confirmed the arrests of two suspects for the murder of a former professional rugby player, Russel van Rooyen, whose bloodied body was found dressed in only trousers in Kirstenhof three weeks ago.
Provincial police spokesperson Andre Traut confirmed Van Rooyen’s body was found by police on March 3, 2017.
“A murder docket has been opened and is being investigated by Kirstenhof police. This office further confirms that two people have been arrested.”
Both are out on R1 000 bail each, with the case postponed to May 24 for further investigations, said Traut.
Van Rooyen matriculated in 2000 from Parow High School, was a top athlete and rugby player who played for Currie Cup teams and formed part of the Springboks under-21 squad that played in Santiago, Chile.
A friend who had been close to Van Rooyen and did not want to be identified, said the arrested suspects are ADT security guards.
The friend said the guards had reportedly responded to a domestic violence complaint and they found Van Rooyen in the street, near his residence in Muizenberg
He was allegedly pepper-sprayed, beaten and handcuffed, yet was reportedly found with no handcuffs close to or behind the Kirstenhof police station, added the friend, who said Van Rooyen’s girlfriend at the time of the incident claimed that he “went for a jog”.
ADT Security (company) general manager Adrian Good said ADT is aware of an incident in Kirstenhof, involving a number of security personnel, including ADT staff.
He said the company is offering its full co-operation with SAPS in their investigation.
Former rugby player’s body found, dressed only in trousers, in Kirstenhof