Mount Fletcher-A 66-year-old man from Tlokoeng (Mt Fletcher) in the Eastern Cape province, who stands accused of abducting his wife and forcing her to undergo traditional circumcision, claims he has resorted to eating paper in prison due to inadequate food and rising blood sugar. Mfutha Letele made the statement while applying for bail at the Tlokoeng District Court on Tuesday, 14th of January.
Mrs. Letele was allegedly abducted from her home on December 18 2024 by masked men believed to have been aided by her husband. Mrs. Letele recounted the harrowing incident in a statement, stating that while she was asleep, the intruders choked and gagged her before transporting her in a Toyota Quantum that resembled her husband’s vehicle.
Letele faces a raft of charges, including attempted murder, kidnapping, assault with intent to injure and taking the victim to a circumcision school without consent. As part of his bail application, he cited several reasons for his release, including ownership of vacant property and his deteriorating taxi business. He also assured the court that he would not interfere with the victim or any legal witnesses and that he was willing to reside elsewhere.
The prosecutor objected to bail and is expected to present arguments against Letele’s application on Wednesday, the 15th of January. The court’s decision on the matter is anticipated to follow soon after.