Kwinana relieved after being granted R2 000 bail in extortion case

Former SAA Board Member, Ntombiyakhe Kwinana, says she feels relieved after receiving R2 000 bail in the East London Magistrate’s Court. She is facing charges of extortion and malicious damage to property.

Kwinana was arrested in Centurion, Gauteng province, and her case was transferred to the East London Magistrate’s Court. She alleges that her arrest was politically motivated.

After 12 days in custody, Ntombiyakhe Kwinana has been released on bail. The court dismissed the State’s version that she is a flight risk and that she may interfere with witnesses.

Part of her bail conditions include that she does not communicate with any of the witnesses and report once a week to a police station.

“Indeed, the interests of Justice do permit her to be released on bail in terms of section 60, it is ordered that she be granted bail in the sum of R2 000 that upon payment of the said some of money shall be released from custody.”

While she welcomes her release, she believes her case is a witch-hunt.

“I feel good l knew it was going to come because we could actually see the state does not have a case, so l knew it was going to come and l am happy that at least l am going to get bail and therefore l continue with my life as it was before the 12 days of my arrest,” says Ntombiyakhe Kwinana.

Meanwhile, the NPA has indicated that it will not be appealing the judgment.

“We accept the judgment of the court for granting the bail and we are going to focus on ensuring that, working with the law enforcement agencies, we bring a formidable case when the trial commences,” says NPA regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali.

The matter will be back in court on the sixth of May.