Siam Lee case struck off roll after murder-accused dies

The case against Philani Ntuli, the man accused of murdering 20-year-old Siam Lee, has been struck off the role, according to Open News SA. 

#BREAKING: The case against Philani Ntuli, the man accused of the murder of #SiamLee, has been struck off the roll. After disputing his death, the State says it’s confident that Ntuli is dead. They’ve confirmed this through a visual inspection of the body and DNA. @OpenNewsSA pic.twitter.com/rV8TWkQhS6

— Nabeelah Shaikh (@Nabeelah_Shaikh) July 2, 2019

Ntuli died of skin cancer in June, TimesLive reported.

His death has been confirmed by the State. 

ALSO READ: Man accused of abducting and murdering Siam Lee dies

Lee’s mother Camen Nan Lee reportedly responded by saying it was God’s way of “dealing with Ntuli” for what he had done to her daughter.   

The 30-year-old was arrested in January last year at his home in Hillcrest after an intense investigation led by detectives, and assisted by Durban private detective Brad Nathanson.

During a Durban Magistrate’s Court appearance, additional charges were added against him by the state.

At the time of his death, Ntuli was facing eight charges including rape, robbery with aggravating circumstances, pointing a firearm, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, intimidation, two charges of crimen injuria as well as a second case of kidnapping, in addition to the existing kidnapping, murder and fraud charges.

Ntuli reportedly paid Lee for sex before allegedly murdering her, and was believed to be a client at her place of work.

Her charred remains were later found near a farm in New Hanover.

(Compiled by Nica Schreuder)

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