By Jade Witten
Court Reporter
Three people suspected of involvement in an R800-million banking scam spent the weekend behind bars, despite their lawyers arguing that they should be released on bail.
Casandra Barnard, 26, of Century City, Christian van Wyk, 53, of Yzerfontein, and Ebrahim Adam, 56, of Belhar, were arrested at their homes on Thursday night.
They appeared in court for the first time on Friday, when the State applied to have the matter postponed so more information about the accused could be obtained.
Their lawyers objected. William Booth, representing Barnard and Adam, said his clients should be released because they did not have criminal records, had fixed addresses and employment, and were not a flight risk. Van Wyk's lawyer, Werner Welgemoed, concurred.
Charges against the three relate to alleged fraud committed via Standard Bank accounts in 2008.
Booth said the State had had ample time to gather information, and the accused had the right to apply for bail.
Magistrate Vusi Mhlanga said there was insufficient information on which to make a decision on bail.