Cape Town Attorney Accused of Attempted Murder Requests Speedy Trial

Attorney Rael Kassel stands accused of attempting to murder his partner.

Sea Point attorney Rael Kassel, who is accused of attempted murder of his partner, Sheline Uygun, has asked the Cape Town Magistrates Court for the matter to move along quicker.

Kassel is accused of strangling, kicking, beating and suffocating Uygun following an argument on 25 June. Kassel fled the scene and first appeared in court on 4 July, when he indicated his intention to plead not guilty.

On 14 August, Magistrate Alida Theart denied Kassel’s bail application. Theart found that Kassel was a flight risk, considering that he held both South African and Australian passports and that he had not provided the court with any substantial evidence in support of his application for bail.

On Thursday, the state indicated that the investigation was almost complete, but that it required a further consultation with Uygun and requested a final postponement.

Kassel appeared via the court’s audio visual remand system while in custody at Pollsmoor Prison. He objected to the postponement saying he was under the impression the matter was ready to be referred to the regional court.

Magistrate Theart reprimanded him for speaking out of turn twice within a few minutes.

Kassel was represented by attorney Gary Trappler, who is also currently on trial, accused of slashing a neighbour’s tyres.

Trappler argued that a consultation with the complainant could be done within days and there was no need for a prolonged postponement.

Magistrate Theart allowed for the state to consult with the investigating officer during recess.

The state indicated that consultation with Uygun would take place on 22 October and requested a postponement to 25 October, as witness subpoenas needed to be obtained.

Kassel again interrupted, asking if the matter was postponed. He was again reprimanded by the magistrate, who went on to explain court proceedings to Kassel. She said he would be given an opportunity to speak after the prosecutor and his attorney. She then asked Trappler to speak.

“In defence of my client, I just want to remind the court that he is deaf in one ear,” said Trappler.

“But he can understand when I said to him that he must not interrupt,” Theart responded. “This is the third time.”

When asked to speak, Kassel suggested a postponement of one week only.

The court noted Kassel’s objections but said it was a challenge coordinating the availability of the complainant, investigating officer and prosecutor. The matter was postponed to 25 October.

From here on GroundUp will report on the outcome of this trial but not give daily reports of the trial.

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