Mgidi case: bail application denied

MOKOPANE - Patrick Sekhu, a co-accused in the Charles Mgidi murder’ second bail application that continued in the Mokopane Magistrate Court on Wednesday was again denied by the magistrate.
Sekhu returned to court with advocate Molepo to re-apply for bail based on new facts after magistrate Swanepoel also rejected his bail application earlier this year.
The 55-year-old Patrick Sekhu and his co-accused, Samuel Matjila (55) and Desmond Machaba (48) were arrested in April and face charges of murder on driving school owner, Charles Mgidi who died after being shot. The killing was the result of an argument at the Caltex Garage (cnr. Nelson Mandela & Thabo Mbeki) between the victim and the accused men.
In a bail application for a schedule six offence, the accused has to prove exceptional circumstances to be released from custody. Sekhu’s legal representative at the time did not convince the magistrate of such circumstances during his first bail application.
Despite his advocate’s argument that his client is suffering a huge financial losses and the non-operation of his businesses resulting in a lack of income for his wife and children, Sekhu’s second attempt to be released for bail, again did not prove to be exceptional. He will remain in custody and is expected to appear on 4 November where he and his co-accused's trial will continue.