Justice served: Businessman Rameez Patel slapped with life sentence for wife’s 2015 murder
Rameez Patel and his wife Fatima.
Image: File
The High Court of South Africa: Limpopo Division, sitting in Polokwane, has sentenced 38-year-old Rameez Patel to life imprisonment for the 2015 murder of his wife, Fatima Choomara Patel, 28.
In addition to the life term, the Nirvana resident received five years for unlawful possession of a firearm and three years for unlawful possession of ammunition.
“The court also declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm,” according to Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, the Limpopo regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Trial Background
Rameez pleaded not guilty when the trial commenced in 2016. The State presented evidence detailing a history of marital disputes linked to the accused’s extramarital affairs.
“On 10 April 2015, Fatima Patel was found shot dead in their apartment in Nirvana, Polokwane, following ongoing marital disputes related to the accused’s extramarital affairs. Police evidence indicated that there were no signs of forced entry at the apartment,” said Malabi.
While Patel initially claimed intruders were responsible for the killing, his version was later contradicted by forensic evidence and witness testimony.
“The court further heard that Rameez Patel instructed his younger brother, Razeen Patel, to hide a box containing a firearm at a shop after the murder. Razeen testified that the accused threatened to kill him if he disclosed the murder to anyone,” Malabi added.
Razeen eventually reported these threats and his brother's confession to the police.
Rameez Patel
Image: NPA
Forensic Evidence
Forensic pathologist Dr. Thakadu Mamashela testified that Fatima died from a gunshot wound to the head, noting she had sustained multiple other injuries prior to her death. A cricket bat, recovered from the apartment’s ceiling, also formed a key part of the prosecution’s case.
Rameez Patel had been out on bail of R250,000 since 2015, with the legal proceedings spanning nearly a decade.
Sentencing Arguments
In mitigation, the defense called clinical psychologist Dr. Lebogang Selahle, who recommended house arrest. However, during cross-examination, Dr. Selahle admitted she was unaware that Patel had already been convicted and conceded that this fact could alter her recommendation.
“She also confirmed that she had not interviewed the children, who are currently in the care of their maternal grandmother and aunt. The accused did not testify in mitigation, and no evidence was led on his behalf by his current wife,” said Malabi.
Advocate Lethabo Mashiane, Limpopo’s Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, argued for the maximum penalty. He described the murder as a disturbing instance of femicide that mirrors South Africa’s broader gender-based violence (GBV) crisis.
Warrant officer Wahab, Advocate Mashiane and Colonel Boshomane
Image: NPA
Final Ruling
Presiding Judge Joseph Raulinga found that Rameez Patel showed no remorse and noted a lack of "substantial and compelling circumstances" to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.
“Rameez Patel was accordingly sentenced to life imprisonment for murder,” said Malabi.
The NPA has welcomed the ruling. Limpopo Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Ivy Thenga, stated that with GBV declared a national disaster, the authority is encouraged that justice has been served.
Thenga commended Advocate Mashiane and the investigating team from the Hawks—specifically Warrant Officer Abdul Wahab and Colonel Richard Boshomane—for their dedication to the case.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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