MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) - Suliman Ismail (44), who was arrested following the death of his wife, Mrs Shaida Ismail (43), at their home on November 9, again appeared in court on Friday (5th). His case was merely postponed until January 30 next year.

Following Ismail's court appearance his attorney, Mr Zaheer Omar, stated that the state had no case against his client. He said Ismail's arrest was insensitive, especially with regard to the husband- and-wife relationship. The wife died due to a bullet wound to the head.

Mr Omar stated that the police merely entered the room, saw his client in a state of shock, with the lifeless body of his wife seated on a couch, and decided to arrest him. He added that by arresting his client, the police eliminated the only person that could have assisted them in their investigation.

"The moment he was arrested, his right to silence swung the balance in his favour. It is clear to me that the gunshot which caused the death of the deceased was due to an accident," Mr Omar said.

Ismail was not asked to plead. He has also not been charged, but should charges be brought against him, Mr Omar said, it would probably be murder. In the meantime, Ishmail is still out on R10 000 bail.