Husband has ‘no recollection’ of stabbing wife to death with screwdriver

A 37-year-old man says he has no recollection of stabbing his wife to death with a screwdriver in their Emmarentia home last week as he had been on a five-day alcohol and drug binge. 

Shaheed Cajee appeared in the Johannesburg magistrate's court on Wednesday, a week after he allegedly killed his wife, 40-year-old Nazreen Cajee (formerly Fakier), while their 13-year-old daughter was in the house. 

Police spokesperson Capt Mavela Masondo said previously officers received a call from a neighbour in the early hours of December 6.

“Upon arrival at the scene, police found a woman with stab wounds on the upper body. She was certified dead by paramedics at the scene. Preliminary investigation led to the arrest of the husband who was later charged with murder.”

Dressed in a black hoodie and grey sweatpants, Shaheed appeared before magistrate Nishani Beharie on Wednesday to apply for bail. 

The court heard he has a history of drug addiction and abuse.

The couple had three children aged 19, 13 and eight. 

According to an affidavit deposed by the state, Nazreen had on four separate occasions opened domestic violence charges against her husband but in each instance withdrew the charges. 

She had also in the past filed for a protection order against Shaheed but also withdrew this.  

Shaheed's attorney Jannie Kruger said his client needs rehabilitation and would be unable to get treatment in prison if bail was denied. 

“My client wants to be admitted for rehabilitation to a drug facility in Magaliesburg. He wants to then be released to his father's home in Emmarentia under house arrest. We know what is happening in our jails, there is no treatment, doctors or psychologists to assist people with drug addiction. He will have to undergo treatment for 180 days, that's six months, and will be strictly monitored.”

Kruger said Shaheed came from a family who were “outstanding people” and he had “fallen off the rails”. 

But Beharie was having none of it. 

“The accused is an adult, he is 37 years old, he is very far from being a child. He is someone who has been involved in drugs for a long time.

“A lot of people come from a difficult background but you need to take responsibility for your actions. I came from a difficult background but I am not going to blame my parents or my community.”

Beharie said Shaheed could be a danger to the public and his children.

“Clearly there was excessive violence involved in this matter. You have not refuted anything and you have a right to remain silent. She [Nazreen] feared for her life. I reject the circumstances that you are a product of where you grew up. You are 37 years old, you are not 19.”

She said the father of three could face life imprisonment. 

“I cannot guarantee you won't leave rehabilitation and I am not convinced it will guarantee you won't take drugs or be a danger to your children or other people. Application denied.”

Shaheed appeared unperturbed, making minimal eye contact with the magistrate throughout proceedings. 

Family members and anti gender-based violence (GBV) supporters gathered outside the court to celebrate the decision. 

Family spokesperson Shika Imaan described Nazreen as a bubbly individual who went out of her way to assist others.  

“Nazreen was an absolutely beautiful soul in and out. A bubbly kind-hearted individual who always went the extra mile for those close to her. She never complained, no matter what she went through, she always had a smile on her face. She was a faithful wife and a great mother. She loved her children and her siblings. We lost a pure-hearted soul way too early.”

Imaan said Nazreen and Shaheed were married in 2003 after their first son was born. 

“Nothing said or done can bring her beautiful soul back. On December 6, not only did her children lose a mother, but both parents. Her siblings lost their eldest sister and, as her family, we are using this picket as a voice for Nazreen and every other woman who has experienced GBV. The manner in which she was murdered and the life she had experienced needs to be a testimony for change.”

The matter was postponed to January 31. 

Shaheed will remain in custody until his next appearance.