A 65-year-old Durban businessman accused of human trafficking has told the Durban Regional Court that his arrest was unlawful and that the case against him is politically motivated.
The businessman is currently seeking bail alongside his co-accused, who is also a businessman. The pair face several charges linked to the alleged trafficking of four women who were rescued from a house in Durban North four years ago.
The women were allegedly lured to Durban with promises of employment before being forced into sex work.
Through his lawyer, the 65-year-old businessman provided the court with details of his arrest two weeks ago, claiming there was an ulterior motive behind his detention.
He told the court that police arrived at his home armed with a search-and-seizure warrant but did not conduct a search of the property.
Instead, he claimed, officers took only his cellphone.
In his affidavit, the businessman alleged that his arrest was linked to his name being mentioned during testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
He further claimed that police were primarily interested in obtaining access to information stored on his cellphone.
The accused, who has previous convictions for drug dealing and culpable homicide, told the court that he intends to plead not guilty to the charges against him.
He also maintained that his arrest was unlawful and said he would not interfere with witnesses, arguing that he had not seen the police docket.
As part of his Schedule 6 bail application, the court was also presented with a doctor's note detailing several medical conditions that the businessman says should be taken into consideration.
The bail proceedings are continuing.