A 65-year-old Durban businessman and his co-accused, Rangasamy Naidoo, were expected to resume their bail application in the Durban Regional Court on 26 August 2026, facing charges of human trafficking, sexual assault, and kidnapping dating back to 2022. The State is opposing bail, arguing the accused could indirectly interfere with witnesses if released, according to IOL reporting.
The case stems from allegations that three women from Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, were lured to Durban in early 2022 with false promises of sales or call-centre jobs and later sexually exploited at a property in Durban North. EWN reported that the Hawks rescued a group of women from the house in August 2022, though the exact number of complainants varies across reporting and remains unverified.
The businessman, who cannot be named until he pleads, faces 20 charges including sexual assault, while Naidoo faces charges of human trafficking, kidnapping, cybercrime, crimen injuria, and procurement for prostitution. The State is charging the businessman in a bail category that places the onus on him to show exceptional circumstances exist for his release, according to KwaZulu-Natal deputy director of public prosecutions Kalaivani Govender, speaking during court proceedings on 25 August 2026.
Defence attorney Paul Jorgensen told the court his client was “not a flight risk,” “would not interfere with witnesses,” and “would abide by the bail conditions.” The Post reported that Magistrate Sharon Marks presided over the hearing and was set to hear further arguments from both sides on 26 August.
The case highlights the cross-provincial nature of human trafficking in South Africa, where vulnerable women from communities like Eldorado Park are recruited under false pretences and transported hundreds of kilometres for exploitation. For Cape Flats residents, the allegations underscore how trafficking networks can reach into working-class communities far from where the crimes are ultimately committed.
SABC News confirmed the matter was linked to the 2022 Durban North raid and had been postponed from 12 August 2026 for a formal bail application. The businessman was arrested on 11 August 2026, according to IOL.
Several claims circulating in media coverage remain unverified, including the exact number of victims, the full charge sheet against the businessman, and allegations of previous convictions. Claims linking his arrest to the Madlanga Commission are also unconfirmed by at least two independent sources.
What remains unknown is whether Magistrate Marks will rule on bail on 26 August or whether the hearing will be further postponed. Cape Flats will check court outcomes by midday on 27 August 2026.