The trial of three men – allegedly part of a cruel 12-man gang that pounced on two couples in Rhodes Park where they drowned the men in a nearby lake before raping and sexually assaulting the women – could not continue on Monday after one of the accused fell ill.
The High Court sitting in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court was told that one of the accused was complaining of chest pains that were affecting his breathing.
Advocate Robert Xaba for ailing Edmore Ndlovu said the accused informed him in the morning that he is not well. He has flue-like symptoms. Xaba asked for the matter to be postponed so that his client can get medical attention.
The defence said the 23-year-old saw a medical practitioner last Monday and was given pills, which he takes in the morning and afternoon.
“He hasn’t been diagnosed, they are still conducting tests and he was told he will be given back his results in due course, he complained of chest pains which affected his breathing,” said Xaba.
Wearing a grey hoody, Ndlovu sat in the middle flanked by his co-accused Thabo Nkala (25) and Mduduzi Lawrence Mathibela (32). He cut a miserable figure with his head bowed. The accused appeared to breadth with difficulty.
Judge Papi Masopa ordered that Ndlovu be taken to hospital immediately.
“We agree that you should get proper treatment,” Masopa told the ailing accused.
All three face charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, rape and murder in connection with the sickening attack in Rhodes Park on 17 October 2015. They all have pleaded not guilty.
The judge postponed the matter to Tuesday.
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