Family in shock as Cape Town cricketer charged with murder gets bail

The family of Elana Brooke, who was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend is in shock after he was released on bail.

Cape Town club cricketer, 24-year-old Tristan Perez, was granted R5,000 bail despite strong opposition from the State. Perez is accused of murdering his girlfriend, 46-year-old Elana Brooke, in Heathfield last month.

Prosecutors argued that Brooke's alleged murder followed a heated domestic argument, citing a voice recording recovered from the accused’s cellphone.

The court heard that police initially responded to a possible suicide, but the case was later upgraded to murder following further investigation.

READ: Murder-accused cricketer Tristan Perez to appear in court for bail application

In granting bail, the magistrate ruled that Perez demonstrated sufficient ties to the community and did not pose a flight risk.

Brooke's ex-husband and family spokesperson, David Brooke, expressed the family's disbelief at the court's decision.

"Sitting in court today and hearing the fact that he got bail at such a low bail with no conditions was a massive shock to the family. We weren't expecting that."