The murder trial of Doctor Bantu Noqekwa has been postponed in the Gqeberha High Court due to the unavailability of legal aid advocates to represent the six accused.
Noqekwa’s ex-wife, Ethel, 47 and five alleged hitmen have been charged with his murder which occurred at his surgery in Zwide in May 2023. The charges also include two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, conspiracy to commit an offence, two counts of kidnapping and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The State alleges that Ethel plotted Noqekwa’s demise with the assistance of a middleman who has since turned state witness. The case was provisionally postponed to 8 October to get clarity on the issue of legal representation. Some of the accused might want to appoint their private legal representatives going forward.
Noqekwa was 56 years old at the time of his murder. The trial is expected to proceed on the new date pending resolution of the legal representation issue.