THIRTEEN Thai women who were allegedly working as prostitutes at a Durban North brothel have been remanded in custody at the Westville Prison, while the alleged owner, Leon Barnard, and his common-law wife were released on bail yesterday, Ridewaan Sayed, lawyer of the accused said.  Barnard, his wife, two customers and the women were arrested on Thursday last week at the Grosvenor Crescent premises.

“The women have been remanded in custody because their passports have expired. They will appear in court again on 17 December,” he said. Sayed confirmed the women had entered the country legally. Leon Barnard, the alleged manager of the brothel was granted bail of R50 000, while his wife was granted R20 000. They are facing charges of prostitution and running a brothel.