The appeal by ANC Member of Parliament Sibusiso Kula on his bail judgement was struck off the roll by the North West High court on Friday. Kula appealed the Orkney Magistrate court's decision to deny him bail.

MURDER AND ARREST

Kula is accused of killing his wife Jennifer Mothlomi in November 2022 at their home in what seemed like a robbery. Mothlomi was found with a stab wound on her back but the murder weapon has not been recovered. The matter was reported by the medical facility where she was allegedly transported by Kula to receive medical attention. He told the police at the time that he was not home when the incident took place. Following thorough investigations by the police, he was linked to the alleged murder, and he was arrested on Friday, 20 January 2023, and charged with murder.

BAIL APPEAL STRUCK OFF THE ROLL

Kula was denied bail by Orkney Magistrate Court on 1 February and Mothlomi's family said at the time that they were happy with the court outcome as they feared he would kill his children as he threatened to do so in the past. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Regional Spokesperson Henry Mamothame said Kula was denied bail during his last court appearance in January and he lodged an appeal with the High Court. "The appeal on the bail judgement was also struck off the roll at the High Court of South Africa, North West Division. The senior state Advocate Benny Kalakgosi urged the court to strike the matter off the roll, as the papers submitted by Kula's attorney were not in order. Judge Andre Peterson ruled in favour of the state and the matter was struck off the court roll," Mamothame said.

BUILDING SOLID CASE

Mamothemane said the NPA welcomes the judge's ruling and will now focus on building a solid case against the accused, pending the finalisation of the investigations in preparation for trial. He added that an application will also be made at a later stage with the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, for the matter to be transferred to a higher court, owing to its serious nature. Police investigations are still underway, and Kula will remain in police custody until his next on 14 March.