Desiree Baartman (57), whose body was found in a stormwater drain last night, 20 June, was described as a beautiful person who touched many lives.
Her ex-husband, Johnny Baartman (58), has been accused of her murder and is due to appear in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court again this afternoon.
He made his first court appearance yesterday where he was provisionally charged with premeditated murder and defeating the ends of justice.
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said he will now be charged with murder. He remained in custody.
ICYMI | Ex-husband of missing Gqeberha woman to be charged with attempted murder
Desiree has been missing since Friday, 9 June. Concerned family members, whom she regularly visited, enquired about Desiree’s whereabouts when they could not trace her.
Baartman, who is her ex-husband but still shared a house with Desiree, reported her missing on Wednesday, June 14 at SAPS Bethelsdorp, about five days after she was last seen.
Last night family and friends congregated at her home in Nagel Street, Extension 29, Bethelsdorp for a prayer meeting for her safe return. But barely a few hours later, the police with the help of the K9 unit and divers, found her body in the drain next to Standford Road near the Jagtersvlakte area.
A close friend of the family said at the prayer meeting that Desiree was retired and previously worked at Standard Bank. She has two children, Xenovan and Xerieth.
She was described as a loving person who would host dinner parties and sleepovers.
Baartman is expected to appear in court after 14:00 today.
It was yesterday ordered by the court that he spent the night in a single cell at Bethelsdorp police station. He appeared in court with a self-inflicted wrist wound.
State Prosecutor Melanie Hammett said in court this morning that Baartman was taken to hospital last night as precautionary measure but added that he did not have new injuries.
This is a developing story.
