Rameez Patel Jailed for Life for Wife's Murder in Polokwane
Polokwane – Rameez Patel, 38, of Nirvana, Polokwane, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife, Fatima Choomara Patel, who was 28 years old at the time of her death. The Limpopo High Court delivered the verdict on Friday, bringing an end to a protracted legal battle that began in 2016.
In addition to the life sentence for murder, Patel received a five-year prison term for the unlawful possession of a firearm and a further three years for the unlawful possession of ammunition. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm in the future.
The tragic events unfolded on 10 April 2015, when Fatima Patel was found dead in the couple's apartment in Nirvana. According to Mashudu Malabi, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the murder followed "ongoing marital disputes related to the accused’s extramarital affairs."
During the trial, Patel pleaded not guilty, maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings. However, the court heard compelling evidence that ultimately led to his conviction.
Police investigations revealed a crucial detail: there were no signs of forced entry into the apartment. Initially, Patel claimed that intruders were responsible for his wife's death. However, this version of events was later contradicted by the evidence presented in court.
Further complicating Patel's defence, the court was informed that he had instructed his younger brother, Razeen Patel, to conceal a box containing a firearm at a shop after the murder. Razeen Patel testified that the accused threatened to kill him if he disclosed the murder to anyone. He later reported the threats and the confession to the police. This testimony proved to be a significant blow to the defence's case.
The prosecution presented damning forensic evidence, with Dr Thakadu Mamashela testifying that the deceased died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head. Dr Mamashela also noted that Fatima Patel had sustained other injuries prior to her death. A cricket bat, recovered from the ceiling of the apartment, was presented as part of the state's case, suggesting a possible weapon used in the assault.
Since his initial arrest in 2015, Patel had been out on bail of R250,000. The case has been before the courts since 2016, enduring numerous delays and legal challenges.
During the mitigation of sentencing, the defence called clinical psychologist Dr Lebogang Selahle, who recommended house arrest for Patel. However, Dr Selahle's testimony was significantly undermined during cross-examination. Adv Lethabo Mashiane questioned Dr Selahle about her awareness of Patel's conviction. Dr Selahle conceded that she was not aware of the conviction and confirmed that her recommendation could change in light of this information. She also admitted that she had not interviewed the children, who are now in the care of their maternal grandmother and aunt. Notably, Patel himself did not testify in mitigation, and no evidence was presented on his behalf by his current wife.
In aggravation of sentence, Limpopo Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Lethabo Mashiane, argued forcefully for a life sentence. Adv Mashiane emphasised that the case was among the most disturbing instances of femicide and reflected the country’s ongoing crisis of gender-based violence. Her powerful arguments resonated with the court, ultimately influencing the severity of the sentence.
Following the sentencing, Limpopo Director of Public Prosecutions Adv Ivy Thenga commended Adv Mashiane and the Hawks investigating team for their dedication and professionalism. The Hawks team included W/O Abdul Wahab and Col Richard Boshomane, whose tireless efforts were crucial in bringing Patel to justice. Their commitment to the case ensured that the truth was revealed and that justice was served for Fatima Patel and her family.
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