Assistance from Somalia, Netherlands stalls 'Isis-linked' terror trial in KZN

Fatima Patel in black in the Verulam Magistrate's Court. Pictures BONGANI MBATHA/ (ANA) AFRICAN NEWS AGENCY

Durban - The case of three people who are accused of murdering British botanists has been postponed until next month. 

Aslam del Vecchio, Fatima Patel and Ahmad Mussa made an appearance at the Verulam Magistrates Court earlier on Wednesday.

They are facing charges of murdering British botanists Rachel and Rodney Saunders, in February last year. 

They are also facing other charges of kidnapping, contravening the Terrorism Act and robbery. In proceedings on Wedesday the trio had new representation of Advocate Jimmy Howse who was being instructed attorney Yusuf Cassim. 

In their previous appearance, the trio had been representing themselves.

State Advocate Mahen Naidu had asked for the matter to be adjourned until February next year. 

Howse objected to this request. 

“We find this unacceptable,” he said. 

Rachel and Rodney Saunders pictured with BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Nick Bailey. The photo was posted on Bailey’s Twitter account on February 8. PHOTO: Supplied

Howse said they had noticed the lengthy adjournments they case has already had. 

He also argued that his client Mussa was not being treated well Kokstad C-Max prison and had not had a shower for a week before he made his court appearance. Howse said del Vecchio was being held with convicted prisoners when he had not been convicted of the crimes he has been accused of committing. 

Naidu said the reason they wanted the postponement was because they needed to do further investigations and needed mutual legal assistance from the Netherlands and Somali about the suspects’ banking details and that it was Somalia who had been holding back the matter.

Magistrate Irfaan Khalil agreed to the parties filing affidavits to give the reasons why they were against or in support of the matter being adjourned until next year. The parties were given until next month to submit their affidavits.