Recusal of judge sees postponement of Eshowe botanist’s murder trial

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Recusal of judge sees postponement of Eshowe botanist’s murder trial
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The suspects allegedly killed the botanist couple near Eshowe and dumped their bodies in a river to be eaten by crocodiles. ECRNewswatch cc ECR_Newswatch

he postponement comes after the presiding judge Sharmane Balton recused herself from the case during Tuesday's proceedings.

The matter was being heard at the Durban High Court where the three accused, Sayefundeen Del Vecchio, his wife Bibi Patel and their lodger Mussa Jackson, are facing various charges. The suspects allegedly killed the botanist couple Rodney Saunders and his wife Rachel Saunders near Eshowe and dumped their bodies in a river to be eaten by crocodiles in February 2018.

KZN NPA's Natasha Kara says Del Vecchio is further charged with malicious injury to property for the damage caused to sugar cane fields belonging to Tongaat Hulett, which cost the company approximately R2.3 million."The presiding officer has recused herself as it was brought to her attention that she had dealt with a related AFU preservation application. Given the circumstances, she was of the view that the matter should proceed de novo before another judge.

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