Bail denied for Aberdeen farmer

ABERDEEN NEWS - The Aberdeen farmer, who has been in custody since his arrest on 3 July, has been denied bail.

The man's bail application was heard in the Graaff-Reinet Magistrate's Court on 14 and 15 September.

The extremely serious charges against him include rape, human trafficking, child labour, intimidation and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

During the bail hearing that was led by Magistrate Nontutuzelo Mabenge, it was revealed that the accused had lived in Aberdeen most of his life, has children and got divorced a few years ago.

The accused said he is a livestock farmer with approximately 3 000 sheep and 300 Angora goats. He claimed that his arrest was motivated by spite from his ex-wife, whom he described as "toxic".

However, his previous arrests, including

one in 2003 for hunting without a permit, another in 2004 for reckless driving, and a court appearance in 2021 on counts of kidnapping and sexual assault for which he was sentenced in March 2023 in another Karoo town, led the magistrate to deem him a repeat offender.

Ill health

The accused presented several arguments in favour of his bail application.

He claimed that he is not a flight risk, will not interfere with witnesses, intends to remain available for trial until its completion, is the sole breadwinner for his family, and cited his mother's illness as a reason for his release. He also said he does not know the identity of the witnesses against him.

Health concerns were also raised, as the accused stated he has hypertension and Type 2 diabetes; that the prison diet did not accommodate his dietary needs, resulting in him being hospitalised at one stage; and issues with poor circulation in his cell.

Victims "misled"

The investigative officer, Warrant Officer Andries Olivier, stated that the accused's alleged victims were led to believe they would be caring for the accused's children for payment.

Some victims, hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and the Eastern Cape, claimed they were drugged and raped.

Olivier recounted other disturbing incidents, including the alleged assault of a minor last year 24 December with a broomstick, causing the child to cry and ask to return home.

The court heard that the accused allegedly pursued another witness who managed to escape and sought refuge with someone known to her, causing concern for her safety. Olivier highlighted a pending case against the accused involving the alleged rape of a young child, suggesting that he posed a threat to witnesses and public safety.

The magistrate, in her deliberation, emphasised that everyone has the right to be released on bail under exceptional circumstances, but found that in this case these did not exist.

Adequate care

The correctional services doctor and the head of the correctional service found that the accused's stress levels were manageable, and his diabetes and hypertension were adequately monitored.

The doctor's report revealed that the accused preferred his own medication and blood pressure monitor and noted that the family provided him with unhealthy food, including fast food items.

The magistrate determined that there was a risk of witness interference, destruction of evidence, and a potential undermining of the criminal justice system. The case is set to continue in the Aberdeen Magistrate's Court, with the next hearing scheduled for 19 October for further investigation. He is currently being detained at the St Albans Correctional Service in Gqeberha.

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