Artist murder trial starts soon

Internationally acclaimed artist and photographer Zwelethu Mthethwa, charged with murder, appeared in the Western Cape High Court. PICTURE: WILLEM LAW.

Internationally acclaimed artist and photographer Zwelethu Mthethwa, charged with murder, appeared in the Western Cape High Court. PICTURE: WILLEM LAW.

Published May 23, 2014

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Cape Town - Internationally acclaimed artist and photographer Zwelethu Mthethwa is ready to stand trial for murder, the Western Cape High Court heard on Friday.

The State told Judge Robert Henney it was ready to proceed with trial but that Mthethwa's lawyer, William Booth, was concerned about his client's finances.

Henney said Mthethwa, 53, should be told he could also apply for Legal Aid.

“You must please arrange with your attorney to do everything that is necessary so we can proceed with this matter,” the judge told the accused.

Mthethwa, dressed in the same smart black suit from his last appearance, looked over his thick black spectacles and politely told the court he understood.

He would remain out on R100 000 bail until his next pre-trial conference on June 13.

Mthethwa has been charged with the murder of 23-year-old alleged sex worker Nokuphila Kumalo.

The State alleges that Mthethwa “kicked and stomped her body repeatedly with a booted foot” in Woodstock last April.

Mthethwa, born in Durban, is known for his large-format colour photographs, paintings, and pastels of people in townships, informal settlements, and rural areas.

He has exhibited widely in the United States, France, Germany, Italy, South Africa and Switzerland.

Sapa

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