Alleged wife killer to face trial next year

Limpopo businessman Rameez Patel will go on trial next year for allegedly killing his wife during a domestic dispute.

Polokwane – Limpopo businessman Rameez Patel will go on trial in the high court in Polokwane on February 15 next year for allegedly killing his wife during a domestic dispute at their Nirvana townhouse in April.

Patel appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s court on Wednesday, where he was informed of his trial date.

Patel’s bail conditions were again relaxed to allow him to leave the Polokwane magisterial jurisdiction without consulting the investigating officer.

His bail of R250 000 was extended.

Wednesday’s proceedings were held in an office, serving as a makeshift courtroom, with journalists barred from attending as there was only space for Patel, his lawyer Tumi Mokoena, and court officials.

Patel is accused of assaulting and shooting his wife fatally, but maintains she was killed during an attempted robbery at their home.

The businessman is also set to go on trial on a second murder charge in the high court in June.

Patel and his brother are accused of beating a man to death in 2013. The two had allegedly attacked the victim, Tony Adams, after accusing him of trespassing on their father’s property, also in Nirvana in Polokwane.

ANA