The Muslim Lawyers Association (MLA) has expressed confidence that the terror financing case against Ziyadh Hoorzook will not stand up in court, following his release on R30,000 bail on Tuesday.
Hoorzook, 35, was arrested earlier this month at his Johannesburg home after an extensive investigation into a suspicious R11,500 transaction made in 2017 to Al-Sadaqah, a group flagged by the United States as a terrorist entity operating in Syria.
The transaction allegedly took place while Hoorzook was residing in Lichtenburg.
Magistrate Joshua Lebombo granted Hoorzook bail, stating that the state had failed to prove, on the balance of probabilities, the necessary grounds to keep him in custody. "All these factors cumulatively weigh more in favour of the applicant being admitted to be released on bail. Therefore, bail is granted," said Lebombo.
Yoshua Tayob of the MLA commented, "Considering the magistrate’s judgment and the concessions made by the investigating officer, who was thoroughly examined by the defense counsel, I’m hopeful the state will reassess the case and halt the prosecution."
The MLA believes there is insufficient evidence to support the charges and remains optimistic about a favorable outcome for Hoorzook when the case returns to court on March 3, 2025, for further investigation.