Man facing murder charge for wife’s death to stand trial

A man is scheduled to face trial on charges of murdering his wife at a residence in East Lothian. Mompati Dodo Isaacs is alleged to have stabbed Keotshepile Naso Isaacs, known as Naso, on her head, neck, and body after reportedly shouting at her and restraining her on a bed at the North Berwick house on New Year’s Day. The 38-year-old individual is also accused of engaging in a pattern of abusive conduct towards Mrs Isaacs, 33, from October 2022 until the day of her murder, both in the aforementioned town and in their native country of Botswana. Furthermore, he faces a charge of threatening another man and accusing him of having an affair with his wife. During a brief hearing at the High Court in Glasgow, prosecutors rejected Mr Isaacs’ proposal of a plea of culpable homicide in connection with the fatality. Gareth Jones KC, representing the defence, informed the hearing that a special defence asserting Isaacs was acting with “diminished responsibility” at the time of the alleged murder had been submitted. The prosecution, led by advocate depute Ali Murray, contends that Mr Isaacs physically assaulted his wife, monitored her mobile phone, attempted to dictate her attire, and sent her abusive messages prior to her demise. It is also alleged that he compelled her to leave a property at night, despite knowing she had no alternative accommodation. Mrs Isaacs’ funeral took place in Botswana in February, following a crowdfunding initiative that successfully raised over £3,000 to transport her body to southern Africa. Lord Armstrong has set a trial duration of up to eight days, with proceedings slated to commence in September 2025.