Ex-PA candidate ditches bail bid

FORMER Patriotic Alliance (PA) ward candidate Fernando Visagie, 35, who is charged with the murder of his ex-partner and mother of his child, Cherolene Lawan, has abandoned his right to apply for bail in the Kimberley Magistrate's Court.

- SANDI KWON HOO

Community members hold up photographs of Cherolene Lawan, who died after sustaining multiple stab wounds.

(Picture: Sandi Kwon Hoo/DFA)

Lawan, 35, was allegedly stabbed multiple times at her home in Homevale following an argument with the accused during the early hours of December 29.

Kimberley Magistrate Benjamin September postponed the bail application on January 15 due to the absence of the investigating officer. The State opposed bail and indicated that Visagie was facing a Schedule 6 offence, in which an accused must prove exceptional circumstances to be released from custody.

Visagie's legal representative, Shan Davids, objected to the postponement, saying her client had been in custody for more than two weeks.