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

He complained about the prison conditions, food shortages and inadequate diet for Muslim inmates as he awaits trial

- YOSHINI PERUMAL [e-mail]

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.