Free after Bakerton shooting
The state could not beyond reasonable doubt prove that Vikesh Hurduan killed Abdulraif Shaikh.
Vikesh Hurduan (35) from Bakerton was acquitted on a charge of murder on Friday in the Springs regional court.
He appeared in regional court one after Abdulraif Shaikh (43) was killed on April 4, 2013, outside Shaikh’s shop in Bakerton.
Regional magistrate, Roy le Roux said before Hurduan was acquitted that the state could not beyond reasonable doubt prove that Hurduan killed Shaikh.
He said the state’s case revolved around one witness who was at the scene, Shaikh’s daughter Naadhira.
She, in her testimony, could not provide satisfactory facts to secure a conviction.
Le Roux accepted Hurduan’s defense argument that he wanted to protect himself.
Hurduan’s plea explanation and when he testified explained that there were problems between his and Shaikh’s sons.
The day Shaikh was killed, Hurduan went to Shaikh’s shop in Bakerton, where he was met with a knife.
Hurduan, who sustained knife wounds on his arms and abdomen fired his firearm three times.
Two of these shots hit Shaikh.
Gcobane Lungu was the state proecutor and Francois Roets was on behalf of Hurduan.
