Wealthy molestation-accused ‘has no intention of evading trial’
A WEALTHY Cape Town business tycoon appeared in the Wynberg Magistrates Court on Thursday in connection with sodomising and sexually molesting his nephew over 10 years.
The 53-year-old businessman from Bishopscourt‚ who is the managing director of two large family businesses‚ was arrested on Wednesday and charged with indecent assault.
“The incident occurred between 1988 and 1998 while [the] complainant was a minor‚” the charge sheet reads. “[The] accused is his uncle. Over a period of time the accused touched him in his private parts and sodomised him on various occasions.”
In a nine-page affidavit motivating for his release on bail‚ the man says he is a model law-abiding citizen and a “happily married” family man with two daughters. He said he was worth several millions of rand. At the time of his arrest‚ he said‚ he had already booked an overseas trip with his family for the June holidays.
He said his home‚ owned by a family trust‚ was worth about R18-million and that he and his wife own a holiday home in the Western Cape worth R3-million.
They also own two plots in the area worth about R1.4-million. He said he is in partnership with his mother in a kitchenware business which has an annual turnover of about R6-million. He is a managing director of another company which an estimated annual turnover of R12-million. The businessman is also a managing director of an imports and distribution company‚ which he runs with his wife‚ which has an annual turnover of about R30-million.
“I intend to plead not guilty to these charges. I submit that I am innocent of any criminal accusations‚” he said.
“I would like to point out that I have only been given a short summary of the facts which are allegedly against me and the trial will essentially revolve around my word against that of the person making the allegation. I have no intention of evading trial. Further‚ I have fixed employment as well as firm family and community roots in the Western Cape.”
The businessman sketched a bit of his background. He said both his parents are 85-years old and that he has both British and South African passports.
“After finishing secondary school I was called up to perform my national service and spent two years in SA Airforce. Thereafter‚ I travelled the world for three years backpacking and doing part-time work. In 1985 I went into business with my father‚” he said. “After 30 years I am still in business with both my parents and my wife…and were are still happily married.”
He was released on R5 000 bail and ordered to hand over his passports to the investigating officer and not interfere with his nephew and another state witness. His next court appearance is on July 21.
– The Times, RDM News Wire
