Overview
- Patel was convicted in the Polokwane High Court of murdering his wife, Fatima, in 2015, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
- Judge Joseph Raulinga revoked Patel’s R250,000 bail after the verdict and later rejected an application to extend bail, with pre-sentencing set for 17–18 December.
- The State argued the conviction for a preplanned killing requires exceptional circumstances for release, and the judge told Patel he could not be allowed out.
- The defence sought reinstatement of bail on socioeconomic grounds, saying about 75 employees depend on Patel’s businesses, but the court declined.
- The judgment called Patel a “pathological liar” and referenced forensic findings of strangulation, blunt-force trauma and a fatal gunshot, alongside family testimony about threats.