Woman quick to point out alleged wife killer
She says she referred him to ex-con
IT took just 23 seconds for an unidentified female witness to pick out alleged wife killer Alvin Maistry from a police lineup this week.
He is accused of masterminding the murder of his wife, Charmaine Naidoo, in February.
Two other suspects, Bongani Manyathi and Mandlenkosi Jobe, are charged with murder and accessory to murder, respectively.
Last month, a fourth man, Sifiso Joyisa, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his part in Naidoo’s murder.
The unidentified witness told the police that Maistry had told her he wanted someone to perform a hit and asked whether she knew of such a person. She claimed she put him in touch with Jobe, who she knew had served time in prison for murder.
She said he had initially asked for someone to kill his former in-laws.
During Maistry’s bail application last week, investigating Warrant Officer Rajen Nagesar said the police task team had traced a female witness with whom Maistry had a longstanding connection.
On Friday, the woman was brought to Durban to participate in an identity parade. Nagesar said the woman, who knew Maistry under the pseudonym Naseer, immediately pointed him out.
Nagesar also gave evidence relating to the phone records detailing the contact between Maistry and Jobe.
“He called Jobe 32 times dating as far back as June last year,” said Nagesar.
The female witness told the police she had introduced Maistry to Jobe in the same month the phone contact began.
The courtroom was packed with members of the Merebank community who supported Naidoo’s family.