Alleged murderer of houseworker does not get bail
Mr Kiran Ramraj's bail application was dismissed and he will reappear in court on 28 April.
eMBALENHLE – The family of Ms Nozi Sibiya, the domestic worker who was found dead in a burnt-out garden flat, celebrated the bail dismissal of Mr Kiran Ramraj who is suspected of killing her on Monday, 16 March.
Mr Ramraj was arrested days after Ms Sibiya was found dead in his rented garden flat.
Ms Thandekile Madlala, Ms Sibiya’s mother – in -law, said the family knows there is nothing that will bring Ms Sibiya, back but seeing justice taking its course comforts them.
She was happy that the bail application was dismissed though she said the family is going through some difficulties since the death of Ms Sibiya.
She said it is not easy to accept that Ms Sibiya is dead but she trusts that justice will prevail and the perpetrator will face punishment for killing her daughter-in-law.
“No matter how tough it might be as family we will keep the faith and the good memories we have of our beloved.”
She thanked residents of Extension 18 for their support.
Mr Ramraj pleaded not guilty on Monday, 9 March and asked the court to released him on bail, because he does not have any previous convictions.
He said he would not interfere with witnesses as he does not even know them and that he does not have any passport or relatives outside the country.
The state opposed the bail application.
Capt Moyo, chief investigation officer, said there are chances that the accused will interfere with witnesses as some of them are his family.
He said before Mr Ramraj was arrested, he assaulted his wife, telling her not to tell the police about what had happened.
“If he is released on bail there is a high possibility that riots may erupt in eMbalenhle because of the public interest in the matter,” said Capt Moyo.
Ms Gugu Khumalo, the magistrate, said the evidence brought before the court proved that there is a possibility riots can erupt because of the public interest.
Mr Ramraj remains in custody and will re-appear in the Secunda Magistrates Court on, 28 April.
She then dismissed the bail application.
Residents in the gallery applauded the court’s decision and walked out immediately.
They then sang political songs in celebrating what they described as a step to victory.
They vowed to support the family until the end of the case and thanked Megabus and local business people for sponsoring them attend the to court.
