Sibusiso Kula, an ANC MP who is accused of killing his wife will remain behind bars until Friday. Kula (34) who was arrested last week Friday, made his first appearance at the Orkney Magistrate court in North West on Monday on charges of murder.

THE MURDER

It's alleged that Kula (34) stabbed his wife Jennifer Mothlomi on 27 November 2022 at their home in Kanana. In most of her social media posts last year, Mothlomi spoke openly about the abuse she claimed she was put through. In one post she said: "GBV is real, if I wake up killed or any of my family members, please don't look far,' Kula was only arrested last week Friday, a week after he went to the police station to enquire about the progress of the murder case.

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STATE TO OPPOSE BAIL

Walking boldly into the court gallery wearing a grey suit and a white shirt, Kula scanned through for familiar faces and exchanged smiles with them while the court was in session. State prosecutor Harriet Seiphetlo told the court that the accused faces a Schedule 6 offence, therefore they will oppose bail. She said she is aware that the bail application is an urgent matter however, she has insufficient information and therefore needs to consult with the investigating officer before proceeding. "Although the matter happened last year, the arrest was made only on Friday and the accused is appearing in court for the first time. The court must also be informed that we do understand that the accused has rights, but rights are subject to limitations, "said Seiphetlo. 

Seiphetlo said the deceased and her family also have rights. "We know that he has rights but what about the interests of the family of the deceased because the victim also had rights. Rights are never one sided."

ACCUSED ASSISTED POLICE 

In Kula's defense his lawyer Gcina Dlanjwa said that Kula has been cooperating with the police since the day of the murder. Dlanjwa said the police interviewed the accused at the scene. They also interviewed him two days after the incident as well as the 1st of December. "A week prior to his arrest the accused went to the police to hear about the progress of the case then suddenly he was arrested on Friday. The accused has undertaken as from the first day the responsibility to assist the police in finding the culprits. There is no solid information brought forward by the state to want a justification to not grant the accused bail."