Elana Brooke’s family saddened after murder-accused boyfriend granted bail

The family of Elana Brooke, who was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend, is saddened following his release on bail by the Wynberg Magistrates Court.

On Thursday, Cape Town club cricketer 24-year-old Tristan Perez was granted R5,000 bail despite opposition from the State.

Perez is accused of murdering 46-year-old Brooke in Heathfield in March.

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Prosecutors argued Brooke's alleged murder followed a heated domestic argument, using a voice recording recovered from Perez's cellphone.

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

In granting bail, the magistrate ruled Perez showed sufficient ties to the community and was not a flight risk.

Brooke's ex-husband and family spokesperson, David Brooke, said the family is shocked by the court's decision.

"This is not only a murder, it's a gender-based violence murder, it's femicide. So, we're very upset as a family, but we do know that he will get his day in court and justice will be served for our beautiful Elana."

Perez was warned to be back in court on 2 June 2026 for the matter to resume.