Cape Town Attorney Faces Attempted Murder Charge and Bail Hearing Delays

In a shocking development within the legal community of Cape Town, attorney Rael Kassel has been charged with the attempted murder of his partner, Sheline Uygun. Magistrate Alida Theart has recently postponed a decision on Kassel's bail application, adding suspense to a case that has already gripped the city with its stark allegations and disputable claims of terminal illness.

Kassel, a seasoned lawyer, was apprehended on 4th July after an incident on June 25th, where he purportedly choked and suffocated Uygun. Uygun's allegations, laid at the Sea Point police station, are grave, reflecting severe bodily harm and a narrow escape from possible death. Kassel's unexpected arrest came only after Uygun's persistent efforts, bringing to light possible delays in police responsiveness.

Despite the severity of charges, Kassel has maintained his innocence. Under the defense of Advocate Dirk Uys and attorney Gary Trappler, he has experienced several bail hearings since his arrest. In a surprising twist, Trappler himself is undergoing trial, accused of another, unrelated crime.

Kassel's ill-health became a focal point during the bail applications, with claims of terminal illness argued as grounds for release. However, Uygun's testimony suggested Kassel's lifestyle contradicted those claims. Despite enjoying the pleasures of life, from sailing to dining out, Kassel was branded "a sick old man" by his defense, appealing to the court for bail on compassionate grounds.

The argument over Kassel's health and its relevance to his detention has been convoluted and contentious. Prosecution and defense have clashed on whether his medical conditions warrant his release, and a concrete prognosis from the doctors at New Somerset Hospital has yet to be presented in court.

Prosecutor Ricardo Swarts has been unwavering in his stance that attempted murder is a grave charge, for which bail is traditionally denied – reinforced by previous High Court judgments read in court. The legal back and forth has culminated in a pending decision, with Magistrate Theart set to rule on the matter come mid-August.

As the legal proceedings trudge along, Uygun is simultaneously pursuing a protection order against Kassel, to be heard shortly after the awaited bail judgment. Meanwhile, Kassel remains incarcerated at Pollsmoor Prison’s medical facility, a setting that speaks volumes about the gravity of the charges he faces.

The case has undoubtedly sent ripples through Cape Town's community, painting a troublesome picture of a reputable attorney caught in a web of criminal allegations and complex judicial determinations. It stands as a poignant reminder of the due process's intricacies and the pursuit of justice, regardless of social standing.