The Supreme Court of Appeal has dismissed an application by businessman Rob Packham, to appeal his conviction for killing his wife Gill in 2018.
The man who made headlines across the country as the murder trial unfolded at the Western Cape High Court during 2019 has raised concerns about the police’s photo identification system used to identify him as the suspect.
Packham was found guilty of murder and defeating the ends of justice after Gill’s charred body was found in the boot of her burnt out car on the same day she was reported missing.
During the trial, Packham’s jolmeit took the stand against her former lover and told Judge Elize Steyn about his plans to leave his wife.
This was contrary to his evidence that the couple were working on their marriage after he confessed to the affair.
He was found guilty and sentenced to 22 years in the mang.
In his appeal Packham claims there was no direct evidence relating to the circumstances under which Gill has died.
He also says the photo identification system, in which two witnesses fingered him as being on the scene and driving Gill’s car, is “inherently biased”.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirms the appeal was dismissed.
In a statement on Facebook, Gill’s family welcomed the dismissal: “It’s a good day for justice.
“We know that there is potential for yet another appeal, however, we have faith that justice will continue to be served and Rob Packham will remain in prison to serve the sentence handed to him.”
monique.duval@inl.co.za