THE suspect in the Siam Lee case made his third appearance at the Durban Magistrate’s Court this morning.
Dressed in a grey suit he was all smiles, and even blew kisses at family seated in the gallery as he entered the dock.
When state prosecutor, Surekha Marimuthu, listed the additional charges against him he stood quiet, shaking his head.
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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.
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Marimuthu made the request to Magistrate Mohamed Motala that the suspect remain in custody until 13 February for paperwork on the suspect’s formal bail application to be completed.
She confirmed that the state would be opposing bail.
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: Deadline looms for petition to oppose bail for #SiamLee accused
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 appealed to be moved to Westville prison, with 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.
The suspect has been remanded into custody at the Durban North cells.
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