WATCH | Incitement accused Bruce Nimmerhoudt granted R3 000 bail

The ecstasy of release swells greater with the embrace of a family reunited.

The man accused of incitement of public violence and a later added terrorism charge, Bruce Nimmerhoudt, no longer needs to stare at the walls of a holding cell. The Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court granted Nimmerhoudt bail of R3 000, with the judgement that received rapturous applause both inside the court and in the streets outside, July 30.

Magistrate Annelie Africa began her judgement by recounting the testimony of the accused as well as those of two people Nimmerhoudt knew personally and professionally. The magistrate then weighed this against the statement given by the investigating officer on Monday, and concluded there was sufficient cause to grant the accused a temporary release.

Magistrate Africa stated that any belief held by the investigating officer, Captain Phakamile Gumede, that the broader community would be unhappy with Nimmerhoudt’s release was based solely on his opinion and amounted to hearsay. This, and the fact that vital voice recognition analysis was yet to be conducted, meant that it was no longer in the interest of justice to keep the accused in custody.

Speaking outside the court while Nimmerhoudt was being carried down Rex Street on the shoulders of Patriotic Alliance (PA) supporters, a pleased defence attorney Calvin Richards spoke of ‘scare tactics’ used against Nimmerhoudt, and his confidence in clearing his client’s name. Likewise, one of those who testified on Monday, PA Chief Whip Ashley Sauls, reiterated his stance that the prosecution was politically motivated and that the state was simply looking for a ‘scapegoat’.

Hugs, tears, prayers and cheers flooded the entrance of the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court as friends, family and Party prepare for future battles. The voice analysis is due to be conducted on August 5 but by then, the next instalment of the case will be in the books, as Nimmerhoudt is scheduled to be back in court on August 4.