Durban businessman alleged his name came up at the Madlanga Commission and this was linked to his arrest
A prominent Durban businessman facing 20 charges, including human trafficking and sexual assault, told the Durban Magistrates’ Court that his arrest was unlawful, demanding that the State hand over the affidavit used to obtain the warrant for his arrest.
A Durban businessman, facing 20 charges including human trafficking and sexual assault, claimed his arrest was unlawful, demanding the State turn over the warrant affidavit. The 65-year-old, whose name cannot be mentioned pending formal plea, is seeking bail after his arrest this month. His lawyer, Advocate Paul Jorgensen, read an affidavit stating the businessman alleged his name surfaced at the Madlanga Commission, which allegedly influenced his arrest.
He dismissed the State's case as weak and denied any risk his bail might pose to witnesses or public order. He claimed he knew no witnesses and lacked evidence to impede them, as their identities remained unknown. The businessman also stated he had no pending criminal matters but acknowledged past convictions, including dealing in Mandrax and culpable homicide.
He requested the court not to consider these older convictions, which occurred over a decade ago. He disclosed six grandchildren and no family outside South Africa, and had only visited India and Thailand for medical reasons, with no foreign funds. He also had several chronic health conditions, with a medical report indicating potential deterioration without specialized care.
The businessman intended to plead not guilty to all charges and had complied with bail conditions previously. However, warrant officer Clark Saunders opposed bail, arguing it was in the interests of justice for him and his co-accused to remain imprisoned. Saunders criticized the businessman for failing to disclose a 1983 murder conviction and other previous convictions, questioning his claim of involvement in multiple businesses with no supporting evidence.
Saunders also alleged the businessman had connections to police, potentially used to intimidate or identify witnesses, emphasizing that the offenses took place in a secure Durban North community, affecting community safety. The bail application is set for another hearing on Thursday morning.
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