Picture: ANC MP, Sibusiso Kula in court/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
The ANC Member of Parliament (MP), Sibusiso Kula was granted a R50 000 bail by the North West High Court on Tuesday. This follow his appeal on the Orkney Magistrate’s Court decision to deny him bail.
Kula (34) is accused of killing his wife, Jennifer Motlhomi (32) at their matrimonial house in Kanana Township, near Orkney on 27 November 2022. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, Kula’s wife was found murdered in what seemed like a robbery.
“She was found with a stab wound on her back, but 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. However, following thorough investigations by the police, he was linked to the alleged murder and was arrested on 20 January 2023, where he was charged with murder,” Mamothame said.
He further said, the police investigations are still underway and the accused is expected back in court on 17 April 023. Mamothame added that, Judge Andre Peterson ordered Kula to surrender his passports, report twice a day at the nearest police station.
“He was also ordered to provide the investigating officer with his work itinerary and report, if he must move outside his residential jurisdiction. Kula was instructed not to have no direct or indirect contact with his children.
“The investigating officer was further ordered to take the copy of the order to the Orkney clerk of court and have Kula sign it before his release,” he said.
Mamothame said, even though advocate Benny Kalakgosi argued strongly for the state in persuading the court not to grant Kula bail, however, the judgement favoured the accused and the state noted and respect the decision. He said the state will focus on the completion of the investigations in preparation for trial.
Meanwhile, Mamothame said the application has been submitted to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, for the matter to be transferred to a higher court, owing to its serious nature.
The Guardian 