Durban - Thirteen Thai women who were allegedly working as prostitutes at a Durban North brothel, watched as the “manager” of the establishment and his wife were granted bail in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday while they were sent back behind bars.
Leon Barnard, who police allege was managing the brothel, and his common-law wife, Nittaya Norisan, who is a Thai national, were granted bail of R50 000 and R20 000 respectively by magistrate Vanitha Armu.
Attorney Ridewaan Sayed, who is representing Barnard, Norisan and the 13 women, told the court that Barnard and Norisan did not have previous convictions or pending cases.
He said Barnard had a fish-tank maintenance business.
Armu granted bail after State advocate Val Dafel said the State was not opposed to it, provided stringent bail conditions were imposed.
Dafel said the State could not consider bail for the Thai women, who had been in custody since Thursday night, because they did not have valid passports.
“Their passports have expired and they have to remain in custody.”
The women, who did not appear to understand English, raised their hands when their names were called and crammed into the dock.
Some had braided and plaited hair and appeared very young, but Dafel confirmed that none were minors.
She asked that the case against them be adjourned to Tuesday for a Thai interpreter.
Barnard, Norisan and the women were arrested on Thursday night during an undercover operation at the Grosvenor Crescent premises.
Police said the operation was carried out by a provincial task team, the Hawks, Home Affairs and the Asset Forfeiture Unit.
They are facing charges of keeping a brothel, prostitution and living on the earnings of prostitution.
Weekend media reports suggested that the brothel had been run from the B&B establishment, which Barnard and Norisan were renting, for about two years. It is also alleged that Norisan had recruited the women.
While the police said that human trafficking charges were being investigated, Dafel said the State had not charged any of the accused with those offences.
The police also needed to investigate whether the women were held against their will, and if they were aware that they would be coming to South Africa to work as prostitutes.
Two men, who were arrested as “clients” during the raid, also appeared briefly in court and the case was adjourned to next year.
Barnard and Norisan were ordered to report to the Durban North police station twice a week and surrender their passports. They were ordered to stay away from King Shaka International Airport, Durban harbour and border posts, and were warned not to leave KwaZulu-Natal without the consent of the police’s investigating officer.
They were also warned to live at their Ranleigh Crescent home for the duration of the trial.
The Mercury