Day 2: Durban businessman’s human trafficking bail fight set to intensify
Two Durban businessman facing human trafficking and sexual assault charges will return to the Durban Court for a bail application
On the second day of proceedings in Durban, the defence teams for a businessman and his co-accused, Rangasamy Naidoo, are set to challenge the state's bail objection. The case centers around a 2022 incident where three young women from Johannesburg were allegedly promised employment involving SIM card sales or call center work, but instead were forced into sexual exploitation at a Durban property.
Naidoo faces charges of human trafficking, kidnapping, cybercrime, crimen injuria, and procurement for prostitution. The businessman is accused of 20 charges, including sexual assault. His identity remains undisclosed until he enters a plea.
Valisha Dafel, a Senior State Advocate with the National Prosecuting Authority, was called to address the defence's allegations. Paul Jorgensen, representing the businessman, claims his client's arrest was unlawful and politically motivated. The state argues that both accused individuals could interfere with witnesses and exert authority that would undermine the justice system if released on bail.
The state also presented an affidavit from Awareness for Child Trafficking Africa, supporting the denial of bail. Magistrate Sharon Marks is expected to hear additional arguments from the defence on Wednesday.
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