Bail battle erupts as State raises witness interference fears in trafficking case
The state has opposed bail for two Durban human trafficking accused, warning they could interfere with witnesses if released.
A Durban businessman and his co-accused, Rangasamy Naidoo, face human trafficking charges and a bail battle in the Durban Magistrate's Court. Prosecutors allege that both accused individuals would interfere with witnesses if released on bail. The case stems from an incident in 2022 involving three young women from Johannesburg who were lured with a fake SIM card job opportunity and subsequently forced into sexual exploitation in Durban North.
Naidoo faces 20 charges, including sexual assault and human trafficking, while the businessman faces a total of 20 charges, including sexual assault. The investigating officer, Karl Sanders, stated that both accused face serious allegations and could potentially receive life imprisonment. Sanders found it strange that the businessman did not disclose a previous conviction for defeating the ends of justice in a drug possession case.
The state also argued that the businessman has a network of police that could undermine the justice system if he is released on bail. Both accused deny the charges and maintain that they would not interfere with witnesses or be a flight risk. The matter is expected to resume on Wednesday when the defense will present their arguments.
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