Umzinto Street murder suspect pleads not guilty
State opposes Mr Kiran Ranraj’s bail application.
SECUNDA – Mr Kiran Ramraj, the suspect in the murder of Ms Nozi Sibiya, has pleaded not guilty during his bail hearing on Monday, 9 March in the Secunda Magistrate’s Court.
Ms Sibiya’s body was found in a burnt-out garden flat in Umzinto Street in November.
She was Mr Ramraj’s domestic worker.
According to Mr Ramraj’s statement presented by his lawyer, Ms Nhlanhla Mthethwa, Ms Sibiya saw him making a drug deal with two Nigerian men.
He said it was unfortunate that Ms Sibiya saw them, because the Nigerians were very upset because of it.
They allegedly ordered Mr Ramraj to take his wife and children and to leave the garden flat.
He said he did so and allegedly received a call from the same men who told him not to go near the flat.
He said he went to the flat out of curiosity and saw smoke coming from the flat, as well as the police, ambulances and firefighters at the scene.
He ran to the Sasol garage where he was later found by the police.
In his bail application, he said he was sure that the state does not have evidence that links him to the case.
He said he did not commit the murder and urged the court to release him on bail, because he does not have any previous convictions.
He does not have a passport and relatives living outside the country.
Capt Aaron Moyo, chief investigation officer, opposed the bail application and said Mr Ramraj might interfere with the witnesses, because some of them are his family members.
“As he said, he had dealings with Nigerians and who knows that he will not try to leave the country through the help of his friends?
“He is also using drugs and cannot be trusted.
“He does not even own property that can be used as security.”
Ms Mthethwa asked Capt Moyo how not owning property can prevent a person from being granted bail and whether the South African law states that a person should own property to get bail.
“How do you think the accused will interfere with the witnesses?
“Have you received any complaints that he is threatening any of the witnesses, if not, what are the basis of your statement?”
Capt Moyo said before Mr Ramraj was arrested, he assaulted his wife, telling her not to tell the police about his dealing with the Nigerians and that he would will kill her if she did tell.
“Granting him bail, will also put Mr Ramraj in danger and could raise riots in eMbalenhle because of the public interest in the case.
“I overheard residents saying that if the accused gets bail, they will attack all Indians, Somalies and Ethiopians owning shops in the township.”
The accused’s lawyer responded by asking whether Mr Ramraj should be the sacrificial lamb that will prevent riots in the township?
It was suggested that Mr Ramraj has family in Benoni where he can go to if his safety is an issue and he can report to the nearest police station.
Ms Mthethwa asked the court to order Capt Moyo to confirm the address in Benoni.
Ms Gugu Khumalo, magistrate, adjourned the court until Friday, 13 March.
Read the previous articles here:
Umzimto murder suspect appear in court
Alleged murderer’s case postponed
‘We feel for the family,’ says alleged murderer’s family
Umzinto murdered domestic worker buried
Umzinto murder case postponed
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