Patel bail application to continue on Tuesday

RC Myburgh
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The tedious bail application of murder accused Rameez Patel will continue in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Patel is accused of allegedly killing his wife, Fatima on 10 April at their homestead in Nirvana. He was arrested six days later and has been in custody since.
Last Tuesday the hearing was postponed to Monday when Thupetsi Mogoai, a member of the Police’s forensic unit was called to the witness stand. Defence attorney Tumi Mokwena objected to Mogoai’s testimony that both Patel’s hands were positively tested for gunpowder residue and requested to study the report.
Under cross examination it was revealed that Fatima’s hands were positively tested for gunpowder residue and not those of Rameez.
Just after noon on Monday, Mokwena commenced his closing arguments but could not finish before the end of day. He continued on Tuesday with state prosecutor Mark von Drunick also finishing his closing argument. The state argued that Patel cannot be released on bail.
The case was postponed to Tuesday when a ruling will hopefully be made.