Ex-Soldier Confesses to Shooting Wife, Claims She Intimidated Him

Key Takeaways:

• Former SANDF special forces soldier Fredrik le Roux has been denied bail for the alleged murder of his wife Taryn le Roux
• The incident occurred at a restaurant in Westville, where Fredrik allegedly shot Taryn in the face after a heated argument
• The state has a strong case against Fredrik, with evidence including CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, and audio recordings of him admitting to the crime
• Fredrik has a history of violence, with previous charges of assault and a protection order against him
• The magistrate refused bail due to the lack of exceptional circumstances, Fredrik’s questionable employment prospects, and his potential flight risk

Introduction to the Case
The case of Fredrik le Roux, a former SANDF special forces soldier, has garnered significant attention due to the shocking nature of the crime. Le Roux was arrested on the same day as the incident, in which he allegedly murdered his wife Taryn le Roux at a restaurant in Westville. The couple had arrived at the restaurant in a taxi and ordered drinks and food, but the evening took a turn for the worse when Fredrik allegedly shot Taryn in the face after a heated argument. Taryn died at the scene, and Fredrik has been in custody since his arrest.

The Investigation and Evidence
The investigation into the incident has revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior by Fredrik, including a history of violence and threats against his wife. The state advocate, Krishen Shah, presented an affidavit to the court outlining the evidence against Fredrik, including CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, and audio recordings of him admitting to the crime. The affidavit also revealed that Fredrik had threatened Taryn in a voice note, saying "your life is at risk," and that the couple had a history of marital discord. The state’s case against Fredrik appears to be strong, with the investigating officer, Sgt Mathews Zulu, stating that they have a "formidable case" against him.

Fredrik’s History of Violence
Fredrik’s history of violence is a significant factor in the case against him. The affidavit revealed that Taryn had obtained a protection order against him in May 2019, and that he had previously been charged with assault by his previous wife. Additionally, Taryn had laid a charge of assault GBH against him, but had not pursued it due to the protection order. The court also heard that Fredrik had attempted to use his contact lenses to slash his neck while in detention, raising concerns about his mental health and potential risk to himself.

The Bail Hearing
The bail hearing was held on Thursday, with the state arguing that Fredrik was a flight risk and a danger to himself and others. The magistrate, Gwendolyn Robinson, refused bail, citing the lack of exceptional circumstances and Fredrik’s questionable employment prospects. The court also heard that Fredrik’s employment had been terminated, and that he had no assets in the country. The case has been postponed until February 6 next year, and Fredrik will remain in custody until then.

Conclusion and Next Steps
The case of Fredrik le Roux is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence. The state’s strong case against him, combined with his history of violence and questionable behavior, make it likely that he will face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. The court’s decision to refuse bail is a significant step in ensuring that justice is served, and that Fredrik is held accountable for his actions. As the case continues to unfold, it is likely that more details will emerge about the events leading up to the incident, and the motivations behind Fredrik’s actions. For now, the community is left to mourn the loss of Taryn le Roux, and to hope that justice will be served in her memory.