Bail hearing underway in Siam Lee case
The bail application of Siam Lee's alleged murderer is underway in the Durban Magistrate's Court.
Proceedings began with the accused's advocate, Martin Krog indicating his client would be taking to the stand and testifying.
Krog has also told the court that the case against his client, who cannot be named at this stage, was 'captured by civilians.'
NOW READ: Siam Lee case returns to Durban Magistrate's Court
This was a reference to the the involvement of private investigator, Brad Nathanson.
Krog said they would lead evidence that Nathanson allegedly tortured his client and posted his photograph on social media before an identity parade was conducted.
He asked the court to prevent Nathanson and his staff directly involved in the case from attending proceedings, as they could be State witnesses.
The magistrate agreed to this.
Lee's mother, Carmen Nan Lee broke down in court when her daughter's name was mentioned by the accused.
ALSO READ: Public outcry following Siam Lee's murder
She appeared to be fighting back tears for much of his evidence, but broke down when he told the court how private investigator, Brad Nathanson and his employee swooped on him and told him he killed Siam Lee.
The 29-year-old accused Nathanson of punching, kicking and choking him on the afternoon of his arrest.
He also claims they searched his home without presenting a warrant or requesting permission.
The Assagay resident said he intends pleading not guilty to all 16 charges against him.
20-year-old Lee went missing from outside an alleged brothel in Margaret Maytom Avenue in Durban North in early January.
Her badly burnt body was found on a farm in New Hanover in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands two days later.
Krog has also told the court that the case against his client, who cannot be named at this stage, was 'captured by civilians.'
NOW READ: Siam Lee case returns to Durban Magistrate's Court
This was a reference to the the involvement of private investigator, Brad Nathanson.
Krog said they would lead evidence that Nathanson allegedly tortured his client and posted his photograph on social media before an identity parade was conducted.
He asked the court to prevent Nathanson and his staff directly involved in the case from attending proceedings, as they could be State witnesses.
The magistrate agreed to this.
Lee's mother, Carmen Nan Lee broke down in court when her daughter's name was mentioned by the accused.
ALSO READ: Public outcry following Siam Lee's murder
She appeared to be fighting back tears for much of his evidence, but broke down when he told the court how private investigator, Brad Nathanson and his employee swooped on him and told him he killed Siam Lee.
The 29-year-old accused Nathanson of punching, kicking and choking him on the afternoon of his arrest.
He also claims they searched his home without presenting a warrant or requesting permission.
The Assagay resident said he intends pleading not guilty to all 16 charges against him.
20-year-old Lee went missing from outside an alleged brothel in Margaret Maytom Avenue in Durban North in early January.
Her badly burnt body was found on a farm in New Hanover in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands two days later.