A VEHICLE tracking device has linked the man accused of kidnapping and murdering 20-year-old Siam Lee to both the locations of her disappearance in January, Margaret Maytom Avenue as well as the site where her body was found dumped and burned in New Hanover.
This was revealed as the investigating officer, detective warrant officer, Ragan Govender of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit took to the stand on the seventh day of the bail hearing of the 29-year-old man – who cannot named as he also faces a rape charge.
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“[The accused] was identified as her last client on the day she was reported missing. A witness also identified him as the driver of the black Mercedes Benz that was later seized from the property in Assagay. The vehicle’s tracking report can confirm the movement of the vehicle from Margaret Maytom Avenue to where the deceased’s body was discovered.”
In his affidavit, Govender said he was opposed to bail as the accused had no stable employment, and described his businesses as “questionable” and “clandestine”.
He told the court that the Assagay resident also had passport and business contacts overseas.
“It is easy for him to flee,” he said. “There are many serious cases being investigated against him and he has reasons to avoid trial and the other cases.”
There was also the possibility that the accused could intimidate or influence the state witnesses, he said.
“The witnesses are terrified and highly traumatised,” Govender added.
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The Assagay resident consistently refused to comment as state prosecutor, Surekha Marimuthu interrogated him on his charges.
Earlier in the day however, the accused was vocal and even attempted to direct questions at Marimuthu, at which point, Magistrate Mohamed Motala reminded him that he was not allowed to ask questions and should simply answer the state’s questions.
The accused also repeatedly became angry during Marimuthu’s line of questioning.
At one point he stated, “You have to be very careful about what you ask me… You want me confirm things so that you can use them,” he said.
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