The case against a rehab owner accused of murdering a patient has been provisionally withdrawn after he was granted bail and went on the run.
Also read: Drug rehab owner goes missing after allegedly murdering patient
During pre-trial preparations in the Western Cape High Court on Friday, family members of Igshaan Philander were told that the accused, Zaid Isaacs could not be located. Isaacs is the owner of Synergy Rehabilitation and Upliftment Centre in Ruyterwacht. He was arrested two years ago when the bludgeoned body of Philander was found in Philippi – one day after his family was told that he had run away from the rehab.
Isaacs was arrested alongside Vuyani Kedama, Moegamat Ishmail Jones and Moegamat Rafiek Ishmail. According to IOL, the centre was closed after it was revealed that Philander had not run away. Instead, it is alleged that he was tortured and beaten to death on the property.
Details surrounding Philander’s death emerged during bail hearings at the Goodwood Magistrates’ Court, where it was revealed that Jones and Ishmail were instructed to dump the body and clean Isaac’s bakkie. The men later handed themselves over to the police.
As per the indictment, Philander was held captive for two days at the centre while enduring torture. The State alleges that the four men assaulted him by hitting him with their fists and a hammer. He was also allegedly doused with hand sanitiser and set alight before the men used a rope to hang him.
Isaacs had won an appeal at the high court and was granted R10 000 bail, while the rest of the group were denied bail applications.
Earlier this year, in March, Isaacs reportedly went on the run. He has failed to attend several pre-trial hearings, prompting the issuance of a warrant for his arrest and his bail revoked. His lawyer has also reportedly withdrawn from the case.
Philander’s father, Rashaad, says the family sat in disbelief as the court heard that the matter was to be provisionally withdrawn. ‘They said they cannot find him and if they do, the case will be brought forward again. It is so disappointing that the court even gave him bail in the first place.’
‘We were told that there is a new detective, but not once has this new detective made contact with the family or even pitched at court, and the community believes that (Isaacs) running away is proof of his guilt. As a family, we are trying to heal, and we want justice for Igshaan, but this is not on.’
‘It’s been provisionally withdrawn pending the arrest of Accused One,’ says Eric Ntabazalila, spokesperson for the National Prosecution Authority. ‘Accused one was released on bail after his appeal at the high court. He then (ran) away and never attended court. Once he is arrested, the matter will be re-enrolled.’
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Picture: Screenshot / Google Maps
