Gospel singer killed ‘over outfit’… witnesses heard 12 gunshots

Gunshots

Cape Town – Pietermaritzburg businessman Ian Rawlins, who allegedly murdered his wife Delana Cader, will remain in custody after he was denied bail on Thursday.

Rawlins allegedly shot his wife, a prominent gospel singer, multiple times on the eve of Mother’s Day.

She was a mother of 3.

In his application for bail, he stated that he didn’t have a “violent or criminal disposition” and “even contributed to funeral costs”.

According to investigating officer Sergeant Mbhekiseni Ngcobo, Delana was pulled out of her car and dragged along the ground during an altercation over the clothes she was wearing at a family function, The Witness reported.

Witnesses later heard about 12 gunshots as she was shot dead.

On Wednesday, the officer opposed Rawlins’ bail application, citing concerns about witness safety and his potential interference with them.

“One of the witnesses is still traumatised by the incidents since the deceased was killed in front of him. The safety of the witnesses and the accused is also not guaranteed,” the report quoted Ngcobo as saying.

One witness claimed that Ian threatened to kill a four-year-old child and himself, the report said.

The officer also revealed that Delana was with witnesses in her car, while Rawlins was with another witness in a separate vehicle when the incident occurred.

Rawlins’ defence argued against witness interference and stated that he handed himself over to the police four hours after the incident.

Rawlins claimed innocence, stating his intention to plead not guilty and mentioning his financial support for his wife and children.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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