Patel’s attorney still sick, case postponed

Limpopo High Court Judge Joseph Raulinga suggested to murder accused, Rameez Patel this morning (Thursday) that he should monitor his attorney, Tumi Mokwena’s health from the start of September in order to make a decision on whether he should rather appoint another attorney to finalise the case.
This after Mokwena again did not attend court earlier today following the postponement on Monday because of his health issues. The case was postponed to 26 September.
Mokwena’s colleague, Floyd Legodi on behalf of Mokwena apologised for his absence. He referred to a recent shooting incident at Zebediela Citrus Estate when Mokwena was arrested on four charges of attempted murder for his alleged involvement in the case when four people were shot and injured. Legodi said that Mokwena was in custody from 22 to 27 June and developed a cough after his release. Mokwena received treatment from a doctor but had to go for a second opinion on 5 July when he was diagnosed with bronchopneumonia and referred to a psychiatrist after the shooting incident. The psychiatrist booked him off until 8 August, Legodi said.
Two medical certificates were handed in as exhibits to the docket.
After expressing his discontent with the court being frustrated with the continuous excuses and postponements, state prosecutor Mashudu Mudau said that he had no choice but to agree with the postponement.
Raulinga said that if Patel was playing marbles, it will catch up to him sometime. “Justice is not just about the accused alone, but also about the victim, her family and the community who await the outcome of the matter,” Raulinga said, adding that he is tired of the excuses and wishing Mokwena a speedy recovery.

Story: RC Myburgh
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