In the trial of former minister Kuandyk Bishimbayev, accused of brutally murdering his wife Saltanat Nukenova, a second defendant, Bakhytzhan Bayzhanov, took the stand on April 11, 2024. Bayzhanov provided a detailed chronology of events leading up to the tragic incident.
He recounted receiving a call from a security guard at a gastro center on the morning of November 9, informing him that Bishimbayev and Nukenova were attempting to leave in a drunken state. Concerned for their safety, Bayzhanov instructed the guard to take the keys from them. Throughout the day, Bayzhanov became aware of escalating conflicts between the couple, which he had sadly grown accustomed to due to their history of tumultuous behavior.
Later in the day, Bishimbayev requested Bayzhanov's assistance at a restaurant where he found Nukenova in a concerning state. Despite initial assumptions that she was simply tired from a night of drinking, Bayzhanov now deeply regrets not acting sooner to seek medical help for her.
As the events unfolded, Bishimbayev's behavior became increasingly erratic, culminating in a tragic outcome. Bayzhanov's testimony shed light on the chaotic and disturbing events that transpired on that fateful day, revealing a series of missed opportunities to intervene and potentially prevent the heartbreaking loss of Saltanat Nukenova's life.
The court proceedings continue to unravel the harrowing details of this case, bringing to light the complexities surrounding the tragic death and the individuals involved. The quest for justice and accountability remains at the forefront as the trial progresses, offering a glimpse into the turbulent lives of those entangled in this devastating tragedy.