Family deaths ‘haunt’ suspect
Lawyer says Patel broke down during a consultation
A psychologist has told the Limpopo High Court that businessman Rameez Patel suffers from mental distress due to the death of his immediate family, including his wife who he stands accused of killing.
Yesterday the defence called clinical psychologist Lephodisa Steven Molepo to testify on Patel’s mental condition.
This month marks two years since Patel was arrested after his wife and mother of his three children was discovered dead at their Nirvana, Polokwane, home on April 10 2015.
The state had previously called expert witness Dr Arnold Mamashela, who testified that Patel’s wife Fatima had sustained a gunshot wound to her face and other facial injuries.
At the time the case caused a public outcry with activists and members of the ANC Women’s League in the province picketing outside court during Patel’s bail application hearings.
Patel was later released on R250 000 bail by the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court.
Yesterday the court proceeded with Patel’s application through his lawyer Tumi Mokoena for his trial to be remanded for at least three months to allow him to undergo psychiatric evaluation.
Molepo told the court that Patel presented symptoms of emotional depression and post traumatic stress which could hinder his ability to concentrate during court proceedings.
He said based on a clinical interview conducted a few days ago, it seemed as if Patel was affected by the deaths of his wife, father and grandparents which happened within a space of five months.
Patel had apparently broken down twice during the consultation after he was shown a picture of Fatima.
Molepo said Patel had told him during consultation that he was unable to cope. He recommended that Patel be referred for psychiatric evaluation so that he can receive the necessary treatment to help him cope.
During cross examination state prosecutor Mashudu Mudau put it to Molepo that he did not have the expertise to determine how long it would take for Patel to respond positively to medical treatment because he is not a psychiatrist.
Mudau said Molepo was not even supposed to testify and guide the court on the mental state of the accused. He said in terms of the law only a psychiatric doctor should be called to give such evidence in a case of murder.
Mokoena said his client was making an application for a remand of trial so that he can be given an opportunity to recover and prepare adequately for the court proceedings. He said the court should bear in mind that Patel suffered “catastrophic losses” which caused him emotional distress.
mahopoz@sowetan.co.za