ANC Member of Parliament Sibusiso Kula appeared briefly at the Orkney Magistrates Court today facing charges of murdering his wife. The NPA's Henry Mamothame said Kula's matter was postponed to 22 November 2023, for the first appearance in the regional court where the pre-trial date will be decided on. He said the state is expected to provide the defence attorney with an indictment and all the necessary documents in preparation for pre-trial and subsequent trial.

Kula is currently out on R50000 bail, granted by the High Court of South Africa, North West Division, following his appeal after Orkney Magistrates' Court decision to deny him bail.

Kula told journalists that he will be a member of Parliament until next elections. "Next week I'll be in Cape Town when we vote in the new Public Protector. I still continue with my constituency work and help communities in need which then still makes me a member of Parliament until next year." Kula said based on the charges he is facing; he maintains that they will tear the state apart.

"We have proven that the state has a weak case against me and that will be revealed again in the trial. That's why we've been here for 10 months with no way forward because there's nothing tangible to hold against me. I maintain my innocence," said Kula.

Kula said the matter is still being investigated by the organised crime unit. "I can't enter into the mind of a criminal and begin to justify wickedness, but last week when I was interviewed by the organised crime unit, I told them that by the end of this week or the next week, I expect them to arrest the perpetrators of this crime because I have given them all the information. We can't allow communities to be terrorised by hooligans."