Bail granted to Durban businessman and co-accused in human‑trafficking case

According to IOL, a Durban businessman and his co-accused, Rangasamy Naidoo, were granted bail in the Durban Regional Court on Wednesday in a matter that includes human‑trafficking charges.

Bail amounts and conditions

Magistrate Sharon Marks ordered the businessman released on R50,000 and Naidoo on R100,000. The court imposed stringent bail conditions, which include reporting to the Durban North SAPS and Verulam SAPS and surrendering their passports. Both accused were also warned not to make contact with the witnesses or other suspects involved in the matter, according to IOL.

Prosecution response

Senior Prosecutor Valisha Dafel told the court she believed exceptional circumstances had not been proved. She also said the accusation that Naidoo’s family had been intimidated was a concern, as reported by IOL.

Allegations in the case

The charges relate to a 2022 incident in which three young women from Eldorado Park in Johannesburg were allegedly lured to Durban with a fake job offer to sell SIM cards and then forced into sexual exploitation at a property in Durban North, according to IOL.

IOL reports that Naidoo, 48, faces charges including human trafficking, kidnapping, cybercrime, crimen injuria and procurement for prostitution. The Durban businessman faces 20 charges, including sexual assault. IOL adds that the businessman cannot be named until he pleads.

Next steps

The matter will continue through the court process under the bail conditions set by Magistrate Marks, as outlined by IOL.