Polokwane – The failure by the State to re-arrest and withdraw Limpopo businessman and double murder accused Rameez Patel’s bail after he allegedly contravened bail conditions came under the spotlight at the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
Magistrate Ndivhuwo Munyai asked why the police and State did not act after it was informed that Patel had allegedly violated his bail conditions on July 17.
According to the investigating officer, Lieutenant Colonel William Ramogobedi, Patel had travelled to Thohoyandou in July even though he had not been issued with authorisation for the trip.
Patel, who is out on bail of R250 000 for the alleged murder of his wife Fatima, was arrested last month in connection with the killing of Westenburg resident, Tony Adams in 2013.
During his bail application in the Adams matter on Wednesday, the State submitted that Patel was not suitable and did not qualify to be released on bail because he had already violated the conditions of his first release on bail.
As the debate over the merits of whether Patel was a suitable candidate to be released on bail a second time unfolded, it emerged that the State had failed to take action over his first breach of bail conditions.
State prosecutor Madelien Roloefse argued that Patel undermined the rule of law when he went to Thohoyandou without getting prior approval from the investigating officer.
However, Roloefse could not immediately explain why Patel’s bail had not been withdrawn and the court had to adjourn for more than 35 minutes for the State to solicit details of Patel’s bail contravention.
When Roloefse returned, she said the State had been unable to take immediate action as authorities had only become aware of it at a late stage.
Munyai postponed the matter to Thursday for judgement in the bail application.
ANA