Voice Note, a Feud, and a Denial: The Spiritual Leader Linked to a Plettenberg Bay Murder

In the unsettling aftermath of the murder of former detective Nicky van Heerden in Plettenberg Bay, the spotlight has turned to a reclusive spiritual figure, Rocco Viljoen, after explosive allegations circulated on social media linking him to the crime. Viljoen has vehemently denied any involvement, labeling the claims as deeply damaging lies.

The allegations were ignited by anti-crime activist Morné Swart, who posted Viljoen’s photo to his 47,000 Facebook followers, describing him as a “cult leader in the Knysna area” and claiming a “direct connection” between Viljoen and the murdered woman. Swart asked the public for more information, stating he possessed a voice note Van Heerden sent the night before her death.

That voice note, which has since gone viral, is key. In it, sent to a WhatsApp group Viljoen administered, Van Heerden mentions him by name and warns his followers against him. She later sent an apology to the group, but the ominous message now forms a chilling part of the puzzle.

Viljoen’s Defense: A Solitary Life and an Old Feud

Contacted by the George Herald, Viljoen offered a starkly different portrait of himself. He denied being a cult leader, describing himself as a former priest who, after questioning his faith, now leads an online spiritual discussion group. He stressed there is no physical congregation, and 99% of his followers have never met him.

He lives, he said, in a barely mobile camper on a shared farm, about 50 minutes from Knysna, and could not have traveled to the crime scene. He provided a detailed alibi and confirmed police have not contacted him.

Viljoen revealed a history of conflict with the arrested suspect, artist Bevan van Druten. He described a physical altercation over eight months ago, which he says was in self-defense while protecting Van Druten’s former partner from an aggressive, intoxicated Van Druten. Assault charges were withdrawn, and a protection order was granted to the partner.

A Reputation in Tatters

Viljoen expressed deep distress over Swart’s post, which he says has devastated his family and ruined his reputation among former congregants and clients. He challenged Swart to account for the specific allegations. Swart declined to comment and removed the post shortly after publishing it.

With Van Druten in custody and the police not indicating any investigation into Viljoen, the social media accusations have added a volatile layer of rumor and insinuation to a tragic case. For now, Viljoen stands as a figure caught in the digital crossfirea man denying any sinister role from his isolated camper, while a voice note from a murdered woman continues to echo online.

{Source: Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com