SARS employee implicated in Chatsworth double murder 'cannot remember' killings

A CHATSWORTH SARS employee accused of the execution-style murders of his gardener and a barber intends to plead not guilty, claiming he "cannot remember" the incidents.

While applying for bail, Wasim Kudoos complained about prison conditions and inadequate food for Muslim inmates as he awaited trial for the October killings. 

Kudoos, 33, gave evidence during his bail application in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

He was arrested by Bayview police soon after he allegedly shot dead his gardener, Mzikayise Paulos Mabida, 54, in the driveway of his Fiona Street, Mobeni Heights home, on October 8.

An hour earlier, he allegedly shot and killed a barber, Mahmudel Sajid, 38, at his salon in Summerfield Road in Bayview.

Kudoos, a tax consultant at SARS, told the court that he had obtained his firearm and licence over five years ago. 

He said he owned a Glock 19 firearm and had renewed his firearm licence in February. 

Under cross examination by State prosecutor Thamandri Kengan-Narainsamy, Kudoos said he could not remember if he had his firearm with him when he was arrested. 

He testified that he “probably” had his firearm on him last, on the weekend before the murders.

However, he could not confirm that, or remember when he last locked the firearm in the safe. 

When Kengan-Narainsamy asked about consumption of alcohol, Kudoos said he was of sober habits, and said he chose to remain silent when she questioned him about using illicit drugs.

He claimed his last memory before October 8 - the day of the murders - was taking his mother to the doctor. He said he could not remember waking up on October 8.

He said knew both the men he was accused of murdering but did not know any of the state witnesses, or what had happened to his firearm.

He claimed his time in prison was affecting him as there were food shortages and the food served at Westville Prison was “not good for human consumption”. 

“I am not eating well. There are shortages of food and they do not give us enough food. We are given oily soya with dried bread and cabbage at times. When they do serve meat I am not sure if I can eat it. They have not considered that I am a Muslim.

“I have not eaten well for a long time. There is no proper food. The food they give us is not good for human consumption. The last time I was allowed a visit, I ate KFC. I have a family history of (high) cholesterol which I want to prevent.

“When we enquired about the separate diet for Islamic inmates, we are told that the kitchen was not working. They always give excuses. We are served one meal at around 9am and the second meal, which is the last meal, is served at 1pm,” Kudoos said.

Kengan-Narainsamy asked Kudoos if the lack of nutrition in his diet was affecting his memory.

He said he was not okay due to the conditions he faced in prison since his arrest a month ago, which was “taking effect” on him.

When questioned by his defence advocate Kuveshni Pillay about the two counts of murder charges he faces, Kudoos said he could not recall what happened during that period of time.

“My mom is diagnosed with cancer. I used to take her to the doctor. This situation is worsening her illness. She is dependent on me. I intend to plead not guilty to the charges of murder. I can provide an alternate address in Arena Park in Chatsworth.

“I would be able to afford R5 000 bail, which will be paid with my savings, and with help from my father and family members. I do not have any recollection of this matter,” Kudoos added.

He said he was on antidepressants prescribed by his family doctor, but he stopped taking the medication about four to five months ago.

His bail application was postponed and Kudoos was remanded into custody at Westville Prison.

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