The investigation into the alleged murder of Elana Brooke has been completed, according to her ex-husband and family spokesperson, David, with the case involving former club cricketer Tristan Perez now set to progress to the Wynberg Regional Court.
Perez appeared at Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 7 August, after previously being released on R5,000 bail. He is accused of murdering Brooke, who died in Heathfield, Cape Town, on 23 March.
The State asked for the matter to be transferred to the Wynberg Regional Court. Perez’s next appearance is scheduled for 27 August.
The development follows concerns raised by Brooke’s family and representatives after Perez was granted bail. They had expressed outrage over his release in connection with the death of the 46-year-old.
David said the outstanding reports requested by the Regional Prosecutor had now been received from the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“Just a quick update,” he shared. “The accused appeared in Wynberg Magistrates’ Court this morning. The State requested that the matter be transferred to the Wynberg Regional Court, with the next court appearance set for 27 August.
“The outstanding reports requested by the Regional Prosecutor have now been received from SAPS, meaning the investigation has been completed and the matter is progressing through the legal process in the Regional Court.
“This is a positive step forward, and we remain hopeful as we continue to fight for justice for Elana.”
Perez had last appeared briefly at Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on 2 June. That hearing was postponed to give the State additional time to complete its investigation.
Police arrested Perez in March after suspecting that he had been involved in Brooke’s death following what was believed to have been a heated argument.
Reports stated that police obtained permission to examine Perez’s phone. They allegedly found a recording of an argument that appeared to escalate, prompting suspicions that it ended with Brooke’s death.
Perez reportedly told police that Brooke had died by suicide. He remains accused in the case, and the allegations have not been tested in court.
The former cricketer had been a familiar figure in Cape Town’s club cricket scene for several years. However, Claremont Cricket Club ended his membership abruptly in mid-February, citing “disciplinary matters arising from conduct deemed to be inconsistent with the ethos, values and spirit of the club.”
According to the Club Cricket website, Perez had recently produced a record-breaking performance for Claremont Cricket Club’s second XI shortly before his arrest. He scored 237 runs from 113 balls in a double century that was described as a club record.
The case will now move into the Regional Court process, with Perez due to appear again on 27 August.