Limpopo court sets sentencing dates for Rameez Patel despite major evidence gaps

Limpopo High Court judge Joseph Raulinga has raised concern that Rameez Patel will be sentenced without crucial evidence in the death of his late wife, Fatima, most notably that the firearm that has still not been found.

Polokwane Review reports that the court will proceed with sentencing on December 17, 18 and 19, based on three charges: Murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, after Patel’s name did not appear in the firearm registry.

Patel was found guilty last Tuesday in the presence of his recent wife, Nasreen Mayet, with who he was reportedly romantically involved at the time of Fatima’s death, in a relationship known to the deceased and her family.

Some relatives testified that they had seen Patel with a gun in his hand several times before the murder.

Following the verdict, his legal team immediately applied for access to a pre-sentencing report and attempted to extend his bail after it was revoked upon conviction.

Patel had been released on R250 000 bail in 2015, under strict conditions, including weekly reporting to the Westenburg Police Station after he was spotted several times at OR Tambo International Airport – movements he said were linked to fetching his late mother from travel.

Raulinga denied the bail extension the next day, arguing it would send the wrong message to the public at a time when government has declared gender-based violence a national disaster. He added concern that the original investigating team from Westenburg Police Station received only partially washed, wet clothing instead of the full set Patel wore during the crime.

Raulinga further called for an investigation into the officers and Mayet as possible accomplices, noting repeated interference in the case.

The crime scene at the couple’s Nirvana home was described as chaotic, suggesting either a struggle or tampering with evidence in 2015. Patel initially claimed an intruder attacked his wife, but evidence showed nothing had been stolen. Court visuals revealed Fatima lying on a tiled floor with severe injuries, including a cracked skull and major trauma to her neck and jaw caused by a bullet.

Patel’s lawyer indicated they intend to appeal the bail extension ruling, telling Polokwane Observer that Raulinga’s judgment was influenced by public sentiment rather than legal merit.

During the application, the court also heard that Patel now runs a property development business employing 72 people who could be affected if he remains in custody.

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