Yet another delay in Rameez Patel’s murder trial
Last week, the defence team lodged an application to bring as a witness the psychologist who was responsible for assessing Razeen Patel after he had been shot, in an effort to question his statement made at the time.
POLOKWANE – Judge Joseph Raulinga, presiding in the murder trial of Rameez Patel, last Thursday said the defence team would need to bring forward compelling arguments as to why it was necessary to bring more witnesses.
Patel stands accused of murdering his wife, Fatima at their home in Nirvana on 2015.
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Last week, the defence team lodged an application to bring as a witness the psychologist who was responsible for assessing Razeen Patel after he had been shot, in an effort to question his statement made at the time.
Read more: Murder accused Rameez Patel’s brother, Razeen, shot four times
Raulinga has time and again expressed his dismay at the delays in the trial.
He had granted a postponement in November last year, to February 8 and 9, as the standing witness called by Patel, Prof Terrence Kommal was not available until the National Prosecuting Authority closed for the festive season.
Kommal insists based on evidence that Fatima died from strangulation and not a bullet proof allegedly fired by Patel, when the incident transpired.
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Later on the day, Kommal was further cross-examined by the state based on post-mortem reports done on the victim.
A new trial date has been set for May 15 and 17.
