Moodley might not seek bail
2004-10-22 08:00
Johannesburg - The bail application of the man suspected of abducting and killing 21-year-old Johannesburg student Leigh Matthews may not go ahead following the withdrawal of his lawyer.
Donovan Moodley, 24, was scheduled to apply for bail in the Wynberg regional court on Friday. However his lawyer Louis Weinstein notified the prosecution on Wednesday via fax that he had withdrawn from the case.
Randburg senior prosecutor Pieter Erasmus said Weinstein had given no reasons for the withdrawal.
He said Moodley would still make his formal appearance, and Weinstein might give his reasons for his withdrawal during the hearing.
Moodley's bail application depended on a number of factors, including whether he had another lawyer or if he chose to represent himself during the hearing, Erasmus said.
The State will oppose bail.
Moodley has not yet pleaded to the four charges his faces. They are murder, kidnapping, extortion, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Moodley, from Alberton, was arrested on October 4. He was a student at Bond University in Sandton, the same institution that Matthews attended.
Matthews disappeared from outside the university on July 9 - the day before a party was to be held to celebrate her 21st birthday.
Her body was found 12 days later by a municipal worker cutting grass in Walkerville, south of Johannesburg. She had been shot.
- SAPA