THE suspect in the Siam Lee case made his third appearance at the Durban Magistrate’s Court this morning.
Dressed in a grey suit, the man was all smiles and even blew kisses to family seated in the gallery as he entered the dock.
However, when state prosecutor, Surekha Marimuthu, listed the additional charges against him, he stood quiet in the dock, shaking his head.
He now faces eight additional charges including rape, robbery with aggravating circumstances, pointing a firearm, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, intimidation, two charges of crimen injuria as well as a second case of kidnapping.
These were added to the existing charges including kidnapping, murder and fraud.
An online petition opposing the suspect’s bail, launched by family friend, Sue Foster, has already been signed by over 2 800 people.
ALSO READ: Hillcrest man (29) arrested in Siam Lee’s murder case
Marimuthu made the request to Magistrate Mohamed Motala that the suspect remain in custody until 13 February for paperwork on his formal bail application to be completed. She confirmed that the state would be opposing bail.
The accused, during the proceeding requested to be transferred to Pietermaritzburg New Prison, however Magistrate Motala denied this request – saying it would require special permission and waste state resources.
This follows his request during last week’s appearance where he asked to be moved to Westville prison, citing allegations of coercion, torture and harassment while in police custody.
The date for his formal bail application has been set for 7 and 8 March.
He was remanded into custody at the Durban North Police Station cells.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
