The trial of panel beater Julio Nobrega is scheduled to begin in the Durban High Court on Monday. Nobrega is accused of orchestrating the brutal murder of his 74-year-old neighbour, Ken Price, a South African Navy veteran.

Nobrega plans to represent himself after informing the court that he can no longer afford private legal counsel.

Although he did not qualify for Legal Aid South Africa, Nobrega told the court his financial circumstances remain unchanged.

Judge Esther Steyn cautioned Nobrega that the trial could not be delayed further by a Legal Aid application, warning: “If you can’t afford private counsel, you have to represent yourself, but understand that your application for Legal Aid can’t further delay the matter if anything changes.”

Nobrega, who lived near Price’s Northdene home, allegedly suspected the elderly veteran of providing authorities with intelligence about his panel beating operation. Price lived alone.

The prosecution alleges that the murder occurred after Price invited Nobrega for a braai in November 2021, to which Nobrega arrived with his employees — Nathan Padayachee and siblings Matale and Nikkiel Pillay.

Prosecutors claim that after Price became intoxicated, the employees helped him inside his house. They then returned to Nobrega’s house to conspire to rob and kill the veteran.

Nobrega is accused of giving Padayachee a hammer to carry out the murder, which he did.

Price was reported missing by his family in December 2021. Police investigations led to the recovery of his body in Richards Bay in May 2022. 

Padayachee has since died, and the Pillay siblings have turned State witnesses against their former employer.

Nobrega is currently out on bail. 

The trial is scheduled to be heard over a period of two weeks. 

nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za

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