![KZN Man Denied Bail After Allegedly Shooting His Wife 12 Times](https://surgezirc.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/unnamed.jpg)
Ian Rawlins, a man from KwaZulu-Natal who allegedly shot his estranged wife, Delana Cader Rawlins was refused bail by the Pietermaritzburg magistrate’s court on Thursday.
Additionally, he allegedly threatened to kill their four-year-old daughter.
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Delana, a popular gospel singer, was fatally shot 12 times in Ashburton on the eve of Mother’s Day following a dispute that occurred during a family gathering.
Rawlins, who works as a businessman, was arrested and charged with murder. On Wednesday, he submitted a bail application.
The courtroom was filled with family members, close friends, and members of the community, while others protested outside, demanding that bail be denied.
In his sworn statement, Rawlins stated that he and Delana got married in 2015 but had been in a relationship since 2013.
Although they had been separated since November 2022, they were in the process of reconciling.
Rawlins mentioned that despite living apart, he provided financial support and believed that the reconciliation was progressing positively.
According to magistrate Nitesh Binnesarie, the state claimed that after the argument, Delana departed in a vehicle with a witness while Rawlins followed them.
Rawlins then got in touch with the witness, who happened to be Delana’s driver, and requested them to stop because he had forgotten something in the car.
Instead of stopping, Rawlins drove past the vehicle and parked in front of it.
He got out of his car and approached Delana’s vehicle, leading to a confrontation where Rawlins physically assaulted his wife and forcefully pulled her to the ground.
Rawlins then returned to his car to retrieve a firearm and proceeded to fire 12 shots at her. The witness claimed to have attempted to restrain Rawlins by grabbing his arms to prevent him from shooting.
After the incident, Rawlins contacted his lawyer and subsequently turned himself in to the police.
Binnesarie expressed concerns for Rawlins’ safety if he were to be granted bail, citing a petition signed by residents who threatened to kill him.
Following the incident, the applicant reached out to another witness and issued threats, not only expressing intentions of self-harm but also threatening the life of his innocent four-year-old daughter.
“This court will do all in its power to ensure the safety of this child. It is a harsh reality that she is now deprived of both parents.
She is scarred emotionally and psychologically. She will never recover from this, and it will haunt her for the rest of her life.”
Binnesarie described the move by Rawlins to cover funeral expenses as a “shameful act”, saying, if his intentions were sincere he would not have mentioned it in his affidavit.
Binnesarie expressed concern about the fact that Rawlins did not indicate any intention to provide financial or emotional support to his underage child in his sworn statement.
“As a parent, I would think that should’ve been your priority. I find it hard to believe this is the child you raised and someone you loved.”
“I have no doubt there is a possibility you’ll be convicted on the charge based on evidence that has been presented so far and could face life imprisonment.”
“If released on bail, I believe this will bring a sense of shock and outrage within the community. Accordingly, your bail is refused,” Binnesarie stated.
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The audience in the gallery expressed their approval of the decision through enthusiastic applause and joyful shouts, reflecting their relief and happiness.
The case was postponed until July 19 to allow for additional investigation, including the examination of post-mortem findings, ballistic evidence, and the collection of witness testimonies.