THE state has added eight additional charges against the accused in the Siam Lee murder case. The 29-year-old suspect made his third appearance at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Friday morning. State prosecutor, Surekha Marimuthu said charges of kidnapping, rape, robbery with aggravating circumstances, pointing of firearm, crimen injuria, assault with intimidation and assault with intent to do bodily harm were brought against the Assagay resident.
This brings the number of charges faced by the accused to 16.
The accused, dressed smartly in a suit smiled and blew a kiss to someone in the court as he stepped into the dock. He smirked throughout proceedings, and shook his head when Marimuthu read out the charges.
The suspect, who had new legal representation, requested that his bail application be expedited due to his prolonged stint in a cell at the Durban North police cells. He also requested to be transferred to Pietermaritzburg New Prison but the magistrate said the request should be directed to correctional services. At his last court appearance the biochemist asked the magistrate to be moved to Westville prison.
WATCH: Siam Lee murder PI speaks out on arrest of suspect
Magistrate Mohamed Motala said the accused would now be remanded in custody at Durban North for four days until 13 February – he will be moved from the station’s holding cells to Westville Prison.
Motala added the suspect’s formal bail hearing would take place on 7 and 8 March. The state indicated it would oppose bail against the accused.
At his last court appearance, he alleged he had been subjected to harassment and had been tortured and assaulted by Durban North police.
Lee’s charred remains were discovered in a sugarcane field in New Hanover more than a month ago.
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