Staff Reporter
The state wants Mackenzie Ratselane who is accused of brutally attacking his wife following a domestic dispute to remain behind bars until the case is finalised.
State prosecutor Advocate Sello Mahloko told the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court that the accused is a flight risk because he went into hiding soon after committing the offence.
“The accused has already evaded justice and there are fears that if released on bail, he could abscond,” said the prosecutor.
The defence said it would not contest the position of the state regarding bail.
Mahloko requested a postponement of the case saying more witnesses are yet to be interviewed.
“About five witnesses are yet to be interviewed and this could lead to more charges being added,” Mahloko told court.
A ballistics investigation is yet to be finalised in connection with a firearm.
The postponement was granted and the matter is expected to continue on Tuesday next week.
Mackenzie, 39, is the husband of Lesedi FM current affairs presenter Dimakatso Ratselane.
He has been formally charged with kidnapping, illegal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of ammunition and attempted murder.
Mackenzie, a former cop, is said to have savagely stabbed his wife several times last Thursday and disappeared.
He was arrested on Tuesday while sleeping at a relative’s house in Ennerdale, Johannesburg, after evading the police following the incident.
Free State investigators teamed up with members of the Soweto Flying Squad to arrest him following a tip-off.
Dimakatso was found by some residents of Dinaweng with serious injuries and had blood all over her body due to the multiple stab wounds she sustained.
She was not able to speak and was immediately rushed to hospital where she is currently recuperating.
Members of the ANC Women’s League staged a protest outside the court urging it not to grant him bail and impose a long jail term.
The victim’s sister and cousin followed proceedings in court and said they were disappointed with what the accused did and hoped justice would take its course.
