Pretoria - The sentencing proceedings against controversial Mamelodi businessman Vusi "Khekhe" Mathibela and his co-accused, convicted for the murder of businessman Wandile Bozwana were postponed to allow legal counsels to consult with the men.
Mathibela, alongside Sipho Hudla, Matamela, Robert Mutapa and Bonginkosi Paul Khumalo were expected to appear in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria earlier today for sentencing following their conviction in June for the murder of Bozwana following a lengthy five-year trial.
Judge Papi Mosopa also convicted the four accused for the attempted murder of Bozwana's lover, Mpho Baloyi, as well as the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
As proceedings started today, the legal counsels of the men requested a postponement in the matter citing difficulty consulting the accused as they indicated that following the conviction the men were moved from the awaiting trial section to the C-Max section.
According to Anneline van den Heever, the move to C-Max made consulting difficult as correctional services officers were present during the consultation.
She explained the officer’s presence during consultations would also impede the client's right to confidentiality during their presence with the psychologists and social workers.
Masopa granted the postponement and reserved August 16, 17, 19 and 22 for all the men to be brought to court in order for them to consult with counsel, and meet with the experts in the preparation of a report to be presented in mitigation of sentence.
He requested that copies of the expert reports be made available to the state on or before September 16, to enable the state to prepare a response and avoid further delays in the matter.
The matter was postponed with the men in custody, and sentencing proceedings will resume on September 21 and 23.
Pretoria News