State seeks to opposes bail in Durban businessman’s criminal charges
A Durban businessman will continue his bail application in the local magistrate's court
A prominent Durban businessman and his co-accused are seeking bail in a human trafficking case. The charges stem from an incident in 2022 involving three young women from Johannesburg who were lured with a fake job opportunity and subsequently forced into sexual exploitation in Durban. The businessman, who cannot be named until he pleads, faces 20 charges, including sexual assault.
His co-accused, Rangasamy Naidoo, 48, is accused of human trafficking, kidnapping, cybercrime, crimen injuria, and procurement for prostitution.
Naidoo's lawyer argued that his client would not interfere with witnesses, was not a flight risk, and had medical conditions such as heart problems. Naidoo, who owns a concrete block manufacturing business in Durban and employs 15 people, urged the court to grant bail due to the four-year age gap between the incident and his arrest.
He maintains his innocence and claims the charges are politically motivated. Naidoo's father is terminally ill, and he has no previous convictions. The state advocate for the prosecution has been given until the case is stood down to respond.
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