The Randburg Magistrate’s Court released a 40-year-old man on R15 000 bail after the state added nine more charges linked to an alleged incident at a restaurant at Sandton Gate, reports Randburg Sun.

The accused was arrested at the Randburg Police Station on September 20 and was first released on a warning on a charge of intimidation.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said further investigation, which included witness statements and video footage, led the state to add the extra charges. He now faces three counts of intimidation, three counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, three counts of crimen injuria and one count of fraud.

The charges relate to an incident that allegedly took place on September 18. The state alleges that the accused went into the female powder room and demanded to take photographs of one of the witnesses. It also alleges that he threatened three witnesses with violence and death.

The crimen injuria charges relate to claims that he insulted the complainants and harmed their dignity by calling them a derogatory name in front of other people. The fraud charge relates to an allegation that he falsely told the witnesses he was the owner of the restaurant, knowing that he was not.

The state asked the court to reconsider his release on warning and to set bail in the interests of justice. The court agreed and set bail at R15 000.

Under his bail conditions, the accused must report to the Randburg Police Station once a week. He may not interfere with witnesses, directly or indirectly, including staff at the restaurant. He must also hand over his passport and any other travel documents to the investigating officer and may not leave Gauteng until the matter is finalised.

In a statement, the NPA said it recognises the seriousness of allegations involving violence, threats and intimidation, particularly where women may be affected.

The authority added that it remains committed to addressing gender-based violence and related offences through diligent, impartial and effective prosecutions.

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