Two men accused of dealing in cocaine were released on bail in the Port Alfred Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 11 July.
Two men accused of dealing in cocaine were released on bail in the Port Alfred Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 11 July.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Luvuyo Mjekula said Khamis Abdul Rahman, 35, known as "Biggie", based in Nemato, was granted R15 000 bail.
Mjekula said Rahman faces charges involving six transactions of dealing in cocaine with an estimated street value of R15 000.
He said Rahman was among six people arrested in an early morning operation on 17 July.
"During the bust, police also confiscated two vehicles, a motorbike, two laptops, cellphones and cash.
"Magistrate Louis Muller today warned that should Rahman fail to adhere to conditions including attending all court proceedings against him, he would be rearrested and his bail forfeited.
His case was postponed until 10 September," said Mjekula.
The magistrate had earlier rejected the state’s reasons for opposing bail against fellow accused Charles Mpera, 38.
He faced four counts of dealing in cocaine.
Mjekula said State Prosecutor Paul Rossouw had argued that if released, Mpera could endanger the safety of the public and commit further offences, considering he had similar previous convictions.
Muller said Mpera’s latest previous conviction was eight years ago and the current case against him barely showed a propensity to commit crime.
"The magistrate said the only consideration that held water was whether Mpera would evade trial if released. The fact that he had a fixed property in Port Elizabeth, a wife and children, worked in his favour," Mjekula said.
"His own safety was also not in jeopardy, as alleged by the state."
Mjekula said Mpera was granted R10 000 bail and the case postponed until 1 September.
Two other foreign nationals were remanded until their next court appearance on 1 September for legal representation and bail. Mjekula said they each faced one count of dealing in cocaine.
He said two South Africans also appeared briefly and their bail was extended until their next court appearance on 10 September. They each faced one count of dealing in cocaine.
Proceedings were carried out with the assistance of a Swahili-speaking interpreter, because four of the accused were Tanzanian nationals, Mjekula said.
