A Cape Town man has been refused bail after being charged with possession of cocaine worth R18 million.
The High Court of the Western Cape dismissed 36-year-old Christopher Carelse’s appeal on Thursday, confirming that he will remain behind bars as the case progresses.
The saga began when Carelse and a co-accused attempted to secure their release from custody, but their bail application was previously declined by a magistrate’s court.
The investigation, led by a determined officer, unveiled 15 bricks of cocaine weighing a total of 15kg stashed inside storage unit number 868. This cocaine was found to be undiluted, raising alarms among authorities about its origins, suggesting connections to international drug syndicates.
Testimony from the investigating officer painted a grim picture, revealing a high level of collaboration implied by the circumstances surrounding the drug seizure.
Carelse and his co-accused were identified as the first-receivers of the shipment upon its entry into South Africa. The officer highlighted the presence of the co-accused in the storage unit and the keys he possessed as evidence of their coordination.
Furthermore, the co-accused had even relocated his rented storage unit adjacent to Carelse’s, a move viewed as suspicious and indicative of a conspiracy.
The case took a darker turn with the discovery of firearms and ammunition within the same unit. Police recovered three guns including two 9mm CZ pistols and a 9mm Smith and Wesson linked to a 2019 business robbery in Boksburg, Gauteng, in which at least 69 firearms were stolen.
Additionally, four other weapons, two of which are fully automatic, were found to be unregistered, raising concerns about a potential organised crime network facilitating the illegal smuggling of firearms into South Africa.
In his appeal for bail, Carelse sought to highlight personal circumstances, stating he is a resident of Cape Town and a father to a minor child. With a career spanning 14 years in business management and a monthly salary of R76,000, Carelse insisted that he has no prior convictions.
However, he did not contest the findings that cocaine and weapons were found in the storage unit he has rented since February 2022.
Cape {town} Etc Discount Alert! Unlock Cape Town’s best experiences for half the price! From unforgettable adventures to hidden gems and mouthwatering restaurants, these limited-time deals won’t last long. Snag your discount before they’re gone!
Judge Derek Wille, delivering the court’s verdict, emphasised the gravity of the charges against Carelse, noting the absence of any credible explanation for the incriminating evidence.
He expressed disbelief at Carelse’s claims that the evidence against him was weak, reminding that it is the accused’s responsibility to demonstrate that justice would not be served by his continued detention.
Wille further pointed out that Carelse’s family would not face exceptional hardship if bail was denied, as they currently reside with Carelse’s aunt.
Consequently, the judge upheld the lower court’s decision, affirming that Carelse would remain in custody as the court proceedings continue.
Find the full ruling on SAFLII.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Picture: Supplied
