The trial of the suspects accused of the murder of corruption whistle-blower Babita Deokaran has been moved from the Johannesburg magistrate’s court to the high court, the National Prosecuting Authority said on Tuesday.
The six men charged with the murder of Gauteng Department of Health official Babita Deokaran were expected back in court on Thursday. Phakamani Hadebe, Zitha Radebe, Nhlangano Ndlovu, Sanele Mbhele, Siphiwe Mazibuko and Siphakanyiswa Dladla last appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court in December. At the time, Magistrate Sipho Sibanyoni said the group had failed "dismally" at proving exceptional circumstances in their bail application.
2021 saw its fair share of tragic and jaw-dropping court action. While most South Africans will gather in festive cheer to recap the year; others will spend it from their cold jail cells.