- The loosening of cargo forced the court to suspend the hearing of an ANC deputy accused of killing his wife.
- The court heard arguments as to why Sibusiso Kula should be released on bail, when the power went out.
- Kula is accused of stabbing his wife at their home in Kanana last year.
The detachment of cargo interrupted the judicial process of an ANC deputy accused of killing his wife.
Sibusiso Kula sat, smiling, in the dock as his lawyer, Gcina Dlanjwa, argued that he should be granted bail.
Kula is accused of killing his wife, Jennifer Mohlomi, 31, at their home in Kanana, northwest, two months ago.
He faces a premeditated murder charge.
Kula is alleged to have lied to the police about what happened to his wife the night she was stabbed to death.
In court, Kula repeatedly addressed the gallery, packed with senior ANC members including Minister for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and the North West MECs.
ANC members opposed the granting of bail.
Outside the court, the ANC and EFF chanted slogans and carried banners saying that Kula, 34, should not be released.
The prosecutor, Harriet Seiphehlo, argued that Kula should be kept in custody.
Members of the ANC Women’s League demonstrate outside Orkney Magistrates Court, where ANC Member of Parliament Sibusiso Kula is listed for allegedly killing his wife. The field was interrupted by a load disconnection schedule. @TeamNews24 pic.twitter.com/CrCTFmUFHj
— ntwaagae Seleka (@ntwaagae) January 23, 2023
“The bail request is an urgent request before the court. I have highlighted that before we can proceed, I do not have enough information and need the investigating officer to help me.
“The murder happened last year. The case was brought to court today. We do not have enough information. We ask that we be given enough time to discuss the matter with the investigating officer,” Seiphehlo said.
The case against ANC member of parliament Sibusiso Kula, accused of killing his wife, has been adjourned in court due to a falling cargo. The hearing will continue at 2:30 p.m. ANC Nkoana-Mashabane, NW ANC MECs and senior members packed the courtroom @TeamNews24 pic.twitter.com/vYg0igwGWW
— ntwaagae Seleka (@ntwaagae) January 23, 2023
“We understand that you are facing a murder charge. I have noticed that his lawyer has been insisting on his rights.
“What about the interest of the deceased and her family here? We want time to consult with the investigating officer.
“The State must present sufficient evidence for the bail request. After discussing it with the senior prosecutor, it is a premeditated murder.
“We don’t want to leave anything behind for the court to make a fair decision,” Seiphehlo said.
READ | ANC deputy arrested more than a month after the murder of his wife
However, Dlanjwa opposed the State’s allegation.
“We oppose your request. Kula is here on a murder charge. It is alleged that said crime took place on November 27, 2022.
“Almost two months ago it happened. That day, the police were on the scene. He was interrogated again on November 29 and December 1.
“The police knew, since November 27, that the crime warrants a serious investigation. A week before his arrest, Kula approached the investigating officer and asked him about the events surrounding the death of his wife.
“Subsequently, he was arrested on January 20 of this year at dawn. He is the only support for his three youngest children.
“They are neglected and cared for by their younger brother and neighbors,” Dlanjwa said.
Dlanjwa added that keeping Kula in custody would violate his rights.
“The State has not advanced substantial reasons why he should be in custody.
“Kula was committed, from day one, to help the police to the best of their ability to find the culprits who committed the act.
“The State does not provide any convincing explanation to the court that is sufficient to justify any justification for granting a stay.
“His personal freedom and the right to be released on bail are the essential basis of our Constitution. It will not be in the interest of justice for the matter to be postponed,” Dlanjwa argued.
