Orkney – The Orkney Magistrates Court in the North West has rejected African National Congress MP Sibusiso Kulas application to have his murder case struck off the court roll.
Kula, who is out on R50 000 bail, is accused of the 27 November 2022 murder of his wife, Jennifer Mohlomi.
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The court rejected as unconvincing arguments for dropping the charges against Kula that included claims that his rights were not explained to him.
Kula’s lawyer also questioned the charges levelled against him, but the court was having none of that.
The matter was postponed to 30 June 2023 and the 34-year-old accused’s bail was extended.
Kula was granted bail by the High Court of South Africa North West Division following his successful appeal against the Orkney Magistrates Court’s decision not to free him.
As part of his bail conditions, the accused was ordered to surrender his passport and report twice a day at the nearest police station.
He must seek the permission of the investigative officer if he wants to travel outside his residential jurisdiction.
The accused was ordered not to have any direct or indirect contact with his children.
Narrating events leading to the arrest of the MP, Henry Mamothame National Prosecution Authority North West Spokesperson Henry Mamothame said, initially, the accused claimed he found his wife dead in their home.
Mamothame said police reports reveal that Kulas wife, Jennifer, was found murdered on 27 November 2022 in what seemed like a robbery gone wrong.
“She was found with a stab wound on her back but the object that was used for her alleged murder has not been recovered,” said Mamothame .
“The matter was reported by the medical facility where she was allegedly transported by the accused to receive medical attention.
“The accused told the police that he was not present at his home when the incident occurred.
“Following investigations by the police, he was linked to the alleged murder and was arrested on 20 January 2023, and charged with murder.”
Meanwhile, an application submitted to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr. Rachel Makhari, for the matter to be transferred to a higher court, owing to its serious nature, is awaiting the finalisation of investigations.
Investigations into the murder of the mother of three children are nearing completion as the state prepares for trial.
The accused is likely to go on trial when he next appears in court.
