Alleged axe murderer denied bail in Atlantis Magistrate's Court
The matter is being heard in the Atlantis Magistrate's Court.
Image: File
In a chilling case of domestic violence, a 35-year-old man from Atlantis has been denied bail after allegedly murdering his mother-in-law, Janet Jordan, 67, with an axe.
Moegamat 'Ikie' Tabisher tried to convince the court of his innocence during a lengthy bail application. He now faces serious charges, including murder for the brutal attack and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The court's ruling has raised significant concerns about community safety in light of the violent nature of the incident.
Tabisher appeared in court in a wheelchair with a cast around his leg. The injuries were sustained after community members attacked and assaulted him on the day of the incident on January 26.
He was officially arrested on February 9 and has been under police guard while recovering in the hospital.
While testifying in his own defence during his bail application, Tabisher claimed that a neighbour murdered Jordan. He told the court he only took away the axe from the neighbour and ran to a vehicle with his box of wine. Tabisher claimed he went to the vehicle to ‘just sit inside’.
The court heard that Tabisher has 10 other pending matters dating back to 2015, including charges of rape, attempted rape and malicious damage to property.
Tabisher also has a separate ongoing case where he is alleged to have murdered his uncle.
The State vehemently opposed his release, stating that he was not only a danger to the community, but also that his life was in danger, as illustrated by him currently sitting in a wheelchair.
The State has set out to prove that Tabisher had argued with his wife on the night of the incident after she reportedly denied him sex. He allegedly started assaulting his wife, and his mother-in-law, who had stepped in to save her daughter. She was struck twice on the head.
The vicious attack took place in front of three minor children.
The court heard that members of the community were trying to assist and assaulted Tabisher when he wanted to flee with his box of wine in one hand and the axe in the other. He was soon found hiding underneath a vehicle near a shopping complex.
Jordan was rushed to the hospital but died a week later due to the extent of her injuries.
Delivering judgment, the magistrate found Tabisher to be a danger to the community and denied his bail application.
The matter has been postponed until July 2.