Rabbi Eliezer Berland appeared in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court with support from friends and family on 20 April.
The 80-year-old rabbi was arrested after evading the Israeli police for four years after being charged for sex crimes. He was and finally caught in South Africa after evading South African police twice.
Berland’s defence counsel, Themba Langa acknowledged that the rabbi was charged with sexual assault and assault with intent to bodily harm to name a few. He acknowledged that these crimes are punishable in both South Africa and Israel.
Langa was fighting against the state sending Berland back to Israel, “As soon as he goes back to Israel he will [face severe punishment],” said Langa. He said that the rabbi is not flagged on Interpol or any international database.
A witness believed to be the rabbi’s doctor was called to testify about the rabbi’s health. Dr Tharique Bux from Houghton said that Berland was unfit to be kept in a prison cell as he had experienced a mild heart attack weeks before. Dr Bux said that the rabbi’s environment can trigger another attack and that a prison cell was not good for his health. Langa applied for bail, which the state objected because they believe Berland might be a flight risk.
The court could not proceed to a final decision due to Berland feeling and looking frail. He lay down on the court bench throughout most of the court proceeding. The judge postponed the case to 21 April to determine whether he will receive bail or not and to finish cross questioning Dr Bux.
The rabbi was set to go to Sun City prison but Langa pleaded that he stay in the Randburg Police Station overnight. Langa assured the rabbi’s family that they are winning the case.
