Picture: ANC MP, Sibusiso Kula/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A murder case against ANC Member of Parliament (MP), Sibusiso Kula was postponed by Orkney Magistrate’s Court until 17 April 2023 for further investigations.
Kula (34) is accused of killing his wife, Jennifer Motlhomi at their matrimonial house in Kanana Township, near Orkney on 27 November 2022. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame, Motlhomi was found with a stab wound on her back in what seemed like an armed robbery.
“The object that was used for her alleged murder has not been recovered. The matter was reported by the medical facility, where she was allegedly transported by the accused to receive medical attention.
“Kula told the police that, he was not present at his home when the incident occurred. Following thorough investigations by the police, he was linked to the alleged murder and arrested on 20 January 2023,” Mamothame said.
He further said, Kula was charged with murder. Mamothame added that, the police investigations are still underway and Kula will remain in police custody until his next court appearance.
“Also, the North West High Court issued a notice for 23 March 2023 for Kula to appeal the bail judgment. The accused’s first appeal on the bail judgment was struck off the roll by the North West High Court because his application was not in order.
“The senior state Advocate, Benny Kalakgosi has prepared heads of argument to oppose the application. The application has been submitted to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, for the matter to be transferred to a higher court, owing to its serious nature.
Meanwhile, the ANC Chief Whip at the National Assembly (NA), Pemmy Majodina said: “The ANC caucus has been driving campaigns in our constituencies around the country against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F). We are deeply saddened by the news that Motlhomi was brutally murdered during 16 Days of Activism for violence against women and children.
“While we may not pronounce on the merits of the charges against Kula, the Office of the Chief Whip has submitted a report to the Head Office of the ANC on this matter. We expect ANC processes to follow, guided by the ANC step-aside rule since Kula is facing criminal charges.”
Majodima said the ANC caucus takes GBVF extremely seriously and they wish to assure the people of South Africa that, they shall act speedily on this matter. She said, the ANC caucus also calls on the NPA and the courts to act decisively to bring about justice for Motlhomi and her family, as many other victims of violent crime.
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