Patel murder trial – witnesses well to testify next week

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo confirmed that Razeen Patel, brother of double murder accused Rameez, as well as a second witness who did not pitch for the continuation of the trial at the Limpopo High Court on Monday, are well and ready to testify when the matter is expected to continue next week.
This after great apprehension when the case had to be postponed on Monday following investigating officer Richard Boshomane’s testimony that Razeen was nowhere to be found and that his bakkie had been found at his home in Nirvana earlier that morning with what seemed to be blood stains on the door and soil.
NPA Limpopo Communications Manager Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi indicated that both witnesses are well and that the investigating officer made contact with Razeen on Tuesday.
Boshomane on Monday testified that when he could not reach Razeen on his phone he decided to visit his house where he found Razeen’s Nissan NP200 bakkie with what seems to be blood stains on it. All doors were locked and Boshomane further testified that he could see what seemed to be Razeen’s cell phone and house keys locked inside the bakkie. He testified that none of the neighbours were able to provide any information on his whereabouts.
Counsel agreed to a postponement until Monday in order for Boshomane to locate both witnesses.
Patel’s defence attorney, Tumi Mokwena was also not able to attend court after alleged miscommunication about the next court date. It was noted in court that Mokwena, who had previously withdrawn from the case, will now continue to represent Patel. Raulinga inquired about the earlier appointment of Johan Engelbrecht as Patel’s new defence attorney. Patel replied that he and Mokwena had consulted again and conclusion was reached that Mokwena would continue to represent him.
Patel is standing trial for the alleged murder of his wife Fatima in April 2015 and is facing another charge of murder following the death of his mother Mahjebeen in September last year.

Story: RC Myburgh
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