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Compiled by Siphumelele Khumalo

Journalist


ANC MP Sibusiso Kula wants murder charges dropped

Kula is expected back in court on 22 May 2023, where judgment is expected to be passed.


African Congress National (ANC) MP Sibusiso Kula, who stands accused of killing his wife last year, has applied to the Orkney Magistrate’s Court, in the North West, to have the charges levelled against him dropped.

Jennifer Motlhomi was found murdered on 27 November 2022, in what seemed like a robbery, with a stab wound in her back.

However, the object that was used for her alleged murder has not been recovered.

The 34-year-old accused told the police he was not at home when the incident occurred.

The matter was reported by the medical facility where she was allegedly transported by Kula to receive medical attention.

Kula was linked to the murder and arrested on 20 January 2023.

Application opposed

His defence argued that his rights were not explained to him at the time of arrest.

On Friday, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Henry Mamothame said the state prosecutor, Phuti Sekoadi, opposed the application and argued that the matter is still under investigation.

Sekoadi also maintained that the current charges are accurate as they are in line with the evidence in the docket.

“He further explained that when investigations are completed, the state will decide whether the charges should be amended. He urged the court to dismiss the application as it had no bearing on the charges leveled against the accused,” said Mamothame.

Bail conditions

Kula, aged 34, is currently out on R50 000 bail. His bail conditions include surrendering his passports, reporting twice a day to the nearest police station, disclosing his work schedule, inform the investigating officer should he move out of his residential jurisdiction and have no direct or indirect contact with his children.

READ MORE: ANC MP accused of killing wife granted R50k bail, ordered to hand over passport

Higher court

It has also been reported that an application has been submitted to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the province, Dr Rachel Makhari, to have the matter transferred to a higher court due to its serious nature.

Kula is expected back in court on 22 May 2023.

ALSO READ: Murder case against ANC MP Sibusiso Kula postponed to next week

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