Patel case – dismissal application unsuccessful

The Limpopo High Court yesterday (Wednesday) turned down an application for dismissal by accused Rameez Patel that was brought before Judge Joseph Raulinga in the murder case of Patel’s wife, Fatima.
The court cited the grounds for the dismissal as the state having established a prima facie case with substantial evidence against the accused.
At the time of going to press the case was postponed to 19 February.
During the last appearance in November Patel’s defence attorney, Johann Engelbrecht indicated that he intended to apply for his client’s dismissal but requested the full transcript of the case before he was able to continue. The application consisting of a 43-page document was submitted to court on Monday when the trial resumed.
The reason for the application is apparently supported by irregularities such as witnesses who were allegedly not properly sworn in during the proceedings.
Patel is standing trial for the alleged murder of his wife at their Nirvana home in April 2015. He is also facing a charge of murder after his mother, Mahejeen was allegedly shot by an intruder at her home in the same neighbourhood in September 2017. She later died in hospital. Patel is expected to appear in court in connection with his mother’s killing again in May.

Story: RC Myburgh
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