The ongoing trial in Astana regarding former minister Kuandyk Bishimbayev saw a maid of the suspect being questioned on April 24, 2024. The maid revealed details about the couple's disputes, shedding light on their living arrangements and interactions.
According to the maid, she was not acquainted with the second suspect, Bakhytzhan Bayzhanov, and they only communicated over the phone for work. She mentioned that Bishimbayev and Nukenova rarely stayed in their Almaty apartment, mostly residing in Astana. The maid took care of the apartment in their absence, tending to tasks like looking after the lawn and heating the house in winter.
Furthermore, the maid recounted an incident where Nukenova noticed a strange hairpin in the hallway, leading to a brief argument between her and Bishimbayev. Despite the tension, they reconciled later. The maid also mentioned that Nukenova once entered the kitchen, where the maid confirmed that the hairpin belonged to Bishimbayev's mother.
Bishimbayev later informed the maid that Nukenova had tried to enter the apartment through a window but was stopped. The maid had not witnessed this herself but was told about it by Bishimbayev. Subsequently, Bishimbayev sought advice from the maid about his relationship with Nukenova, to which she suggested giving each other a chance. They reconciled briefly but had not been seen together since August 2023.
During the questioning, the maid stated that she had not seen any broken dishes or damages in the apartment, except for once sending a photo of a broken door to Bayzhanov. The maid also mentioned that a psychic, consulted by the suspect on the day of Nukanova's death, had been questioned by the court earlier on April 24.
The case of former Minister of National Economy Kuandyk Bishimbayev, detained on suspicion of his wife's murder, has garnered significant attention since the tragedy at the Bau restaurant in the capital. The investigation concluded in January 2024, with Bishimbayev facing charges of murder with particular cruelty and torture.
Various witnesses, including a paramedic and a patrol officer, have testified in court. Additionally, the victim's lawyer revealed the cause of Saltanat Nukenova's death on April 4. Bishimbayev addressed the court on April 1, expressing remorse to Nukenova's family but denying deliberate involvement in her death.
On April 9, a witness who was present at the restaurant on the night of Nukenova's death provided their account. The court also heard from forensic expert Takhir Khalimnazarov about Nukanova's injuries and the circumstances leading to her death. On April 11, the second suspect, Bayzhanov, shared his version of events from the day Nukenova passed away.
