Lawyer no-show in Jam Jam case
Claims of State withholding information
THE attorney representing Linda Ntula, the man accused of murdering his girlfriend Aviwe Jam Jam, has accused the State of withholding crucial information in the matter. Yesterday, Ntula appeared for the attempted murder of Jam Jam’s stepfather Mike Mguga and a charge of malicious damage to property, in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court. The case was postponed until next Wednesday after lawyer David Mbazwana failed to make it to court in time.
State prosecutor Manelisi Macaba said Mbazwana had called to indicate he would be running late, however, the investigating officer would not be able to wait.
Questioned on the absence of his lawyer, Ntula said he did not know the lawyer’s whereabouts.
The accused was escorted back to the cells amid grumbling from his family, who expressed their disapproval of the lawyer’s absence.
Speaking to the Cape Argus, Mbazwana said he had been delayed because there were a few things he had to tie up regarding
‘IF HE DID IT, THE STATE MUST PROVE IT. TO ME HE IS INNOCENT, THE STATE MUST PROVE HIS GUILT.’
the matter. “The focus for the State seems to be on the murder case in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court. The State is not forthcoming with information. Whenever I ask for developments, I am told I will hear about it in court. I’m working on limited information,” said Mbazwana.
The lawyer said it was the State’s responsibility to prove guilt.
“If he did it then the State must prove it. My job is not to fish. To me he is innocent, so the State must prove his guilt,” he said.
Ntula will, for the first time, appear with his co-accused, Leroy Morrison, in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court today for Jam Jam’s murder.
Jam Jam’s body was discovered in a field in Athlone on July 29. Her family was only informed about her death on August 8.