POLOKWANE – Businessman and murder accused Rameez Patel has applied for the recusal of judge Joseph Raulinga, who is presiding over his double murder case in the Polokwane High Court.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo, the matter will be heard again on August 20-21 to determine the outcome of the application and discuss the way forward.
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Recusal in court refers to the withdrawal of a judge or prosecutor from a case due to potential conflicts of interest or lack of impartiality.
Patel, a multi-businessman, is standing trial for suspectedly killing his first wife in 2015.
The murder charge related to his mother’s death was provisionally withdrawn in 2021 due to a lack of evidence. She was shot and killed in 2017 with her domestic worker present. Although not linked to these incidents, Patel’s father was shot and killed in a robbery, and his brother survived an attempt on his life in Mankweng.
Patel has repeatedly accused Raulinga of unfairness, particularly regarding bail conditions and other applications the judge dismissed.
Raulinga noted that this was the final criminal case he has been handling since 2016 and that he intended to conclude it before retiring.
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He had requested increased personal security from the police, a request he said which he claimed was ignored.
Since presiding over the case, Raulinga has reported receiving death threats, a firearm threat, unauthorised access to his chambers, and a break-in at his home.
If Patel’s application for recusal is granted, a new judge will need to take over the case from the beginning, potentially invalidating the progress made since 2016, including witness and expert testimonies.
