70 witnesses expected in new KZN trial of slain botanists couple
Seventy witnesses are expected to be called to testify in the fresh trial in Durban of three people accused of the murder of UK-born botanists Rodney and Rachel Saunders.
Safydeen Aslam Del Vecchio, Fatima Patel and Ahmad Jackson Mussa face charges of kidnapping, robbery and murder.
The couple disappeared near Bivane Dam in Vryheid in February 2018.
Their bodies were found some time later.
The trial began this year but came to a halt when the judge recused herself.
Newswatch was at the Durban High Court on Wednesday for another pretrial conference.
The three accused walked into the dock surrounded by heavily armed members of the Police Special Task Force.
Del Vecchio, who appeared calm, occasionally turned, flashing a smile to those in the public gallery.
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His wife, Fatima Patel, kept her head down for most of their appearance, while Mussa appeared emotionless.
The state prosecutor told the court they believed the new trial will sit for three sessions beginning in April next year due to the number of witnesses.
He said they would present DNA evidence and other expert evidence on the post-mortem results and forensic anthropologist reports.
Del Vecchio then raised his hand in court and asked the judge if he and his wife would be able to meet their legal aid representative before the start of the new trial.
The judge granted the request.
The trial will run from April to May, from May to June and then again in November 2023.
