Mbekweni murder accused refuses legal aid in court
After refusing Legal Aid, Mnikelo Khese walked out of the courtroom after the State opposed bail.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
The man accused of murdering the mother of his five-year-old child made his first appearance in the Paarl Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where proceedings were delayed after he refused to accept state-provided legal representation.
Mnikelo Khese, who stands accused of killing Ntombi Ntsondwa in Drommedaris, Mbekweni, appeared in court amid heightened public interest in the case.
According to police, the deceased was found lying on her back at the suspect’s home in Dumisani Street, on April 13 at around 12:30, with multiple stab wounds to her forehead and arms.
Upon entering the dock, Khese was informed by the magistrate that his private lawyer was present at court but would not be appearing on his behalf due to non-payment.
He was then offered the option of making use of a Legal Aid attorney.
However, Khese insisted that his lawyer was present.
"My lawyer is outside. He is here. He can come in," Khese told the court.
The magistrate reiterated that the lawyer had indicated he would not proceed without payment and would therefore not be appearing in court.
Despite this, Khese refused to accept Legal Aid representation, maintaining his position even as it meant the matter could not proceed.
"He will represent me. He is here," Khese repeated.
The court informed him multiple times that proceedings could not continue without legal representation, but Khese remained adamant.
In a separate ruling, the court granted permission for media to photograph him.
"In the interest of justice, freedom of expression and public interest, the media is permitted to take photographs after the court has adjourned," the magistrate ruled.
The matter was postponed to April 22 to allow for legal representation to be secured.
The State opposed bail, arguing that Khese poses a flight risk.
According to the prosecution, attempts to locate him following the discovery of Ntsondwa’s body proved difficult, with a community search launched before authorities were able to track him down.
"There were challenges in locating the accused after the incident," the State submitted.
The court heard that he was eventually traced and arrested in Aberdeen while allegedly attempting to leave the province.
"He was found in Aberdeen, outside the province, which raises concerns about him evading arrest," the prosecution said.
Based on these submissions, the court ruled that Khese would remain in custody.