CAPE TOWN - The Paarl family of 27-year-old Siphokazi Booi and residents have been left anxious as the man accused of her murder intends to apply for bail.
Booi’s boyfriend Sithobele Qebe, 30, made a second brief appearance at the Paarl Magistrates Court on Monday where his case was postponed to September 17.
He also faces charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after he had allegedly attacked the 27-year-old a month before her death.
Qebe was arrested in White City, Mbekweni last Monday after the shocking discovery of Booi’s charred remains in a wheelie bin near the local train station.
Her friends last saw her apparently arguing with the Qebe in his shack.
Irate residents had demolished his home and set alight his car after the body was found.
Speaking outside court, National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the case was postponed because the investigating officer was to probe the new residential address Qebe provided ahead of his bail application.
“The accused lawyers told the court that they have an alternative address since his house was burned down, which they can use for him to apply for bail. The investigating officer will now go and confirm if the address is valid and also confirm whether the accused will be accepted in that community.
“For now his is charged with murder but the State intends to join the assault GBH case.”
Ntabazalila said the NPA will oppose bail and do their utmost best to ensure the family and community gets justice.
The emotional aunt of Booi, Nontando Booi, on Monday said the family was awaiting DNA results expected to be released by Wednesday.
Booi’s 78-year-old grandfather Peacock Booi said he was disappointed that Qebe was pursuing bail and the young man’s family did not visit them to apologise.
“We would have expected them to express condolences. I really hope that justice doesn’t fail us because he is a dangerous person,” he said.
Cape Times