Nicolas le Roux receives Legal Aid lawyer in wife's murder case

The former member of the South African National Defence Force special forces, Nicolas le Roux, charged with the premeditated murder of his wife, Taryn, has been granted free legal services by Legal Aid South Africa. 

This was revealed by his lawyer, Hoffese Wassim from Legal Aid at Pinetown Magistrate's Court on Tuesday morning.

Previously, Legal Aid had denied him free legal representation, stating that he exceeded the R9,100 threshold. After appealing that decision, he was granted a lawyer. 

During court proceedings, Wassim briefly consulted with Le Roux and told the court that his client intends to apply for bail.

He asked the court to grant a two-week postponement. However, Magistrate Werner Gillespie questioned Wassim on what the Criminal Procedure Act says.

“What we can do is provisionally postpone for a week,” he said. 

It was agreed to postpone the matter to November 25.

Magistrate Gillespie further reminded that the bail application would be under Schedule 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act. He told Le Roux that his lawyer has stated that he might not be ready to proceed with the bail application on November 25. 

“Be patient with your lawyer; this is a serious charge. Proceed when you are ready,” he cautioned.

Le Roux, who bows when responding in court, acknowledged his understanding.

After the matter was postponed, he thanked the court, greeted someone from the gallery, and asked about his staff. He then left the dock for the court cells. 

The former soldier is alleged to have shot his wife at a Westville pub after a heated argument. He is also facing charges of handling a firearm under the influence of a substance, possession of a firearm or ammunition with intent to cause an offence or resist arrest, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of unlicensed ammunition.

 nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za