Durban — The bail application of Hillcrest SAPS member Mlungisi Blessing Sikhakhane, who is charged with the murder of two women, would be heard on Thursday.
The hearing was meant to sit before Magistrate Wendalynn Robinson on Monday in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court, however, on arrival Sikhakhane’s defence attorney, Minoj Harripersad, applied for Robinson to recuse herself.
Sikhakhane is charged with the murders of his long-time girlfriend, Sthembile Ngobese, and his girlfriend of less than five months, Enhle Majola.
He is alleged to have shot the two women in KwaNyuswa, where he was renting.
Sikhakhane’s formal application had been meant to be heard on October 26 but the matter was adjourned when Minoj asked for more time to interview witnesses for the bail application.
Harripersad said Sikhakhane had instructed him to apply for the recusal as it had been brought to his attention over the past few days that Majola’s father worked at the court and as such Sikhakhane had concerns regarding the bias of the court in dealing with the matter.
He said that Sikhakhane was “uncertain that the father of the deceased has interacted with your worship”.
“In other words, I would be biased,” said Magistrate Robinson to Harripersad. “I don’t interact with a majority of staff members besides my staff. Is it because the father might have interaction with staff members I interact with? I’m here to deal with the law.”
She explained that nothing had been brought to her attention pertaining to the matter by any staff.
The State had no objection to the recusal application that Robinson granted.
“I then recuse myself given the accused concerns. I did speak with the head of the court and there is nobody (magistrate) available to deal with your matter today,” she said.
Daily News