Controversial pastor's bail hearing postponed
The bail hearing of a controversial Nigerian pastor has been postponed for a week to verify his travel documents.
The leader of the Jesus Dominion International Church, who appeared again in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate's Court on Friday, is now facing 22 charges of sexual violence and human trafficking.
Immigration officer from Home Affairs, Ivan Claasen told the court there were suspicions around his two passports.
He said the pastor had a passport that held his visa, which is going to expire in August this year, and a new passport, which he allegedly used to travel.
Claasen said Home Affairs needs to verify that both passports, as well as the visa, are authentic and to investigate how he travelled using the new passport when it does not have his visa.
Hawks spokesperson Robert Netshiunda told the media outside court that they are not in possession of his passports.
"Now it's back to square one. The court has ordered that his travel documents be verified then we will know if he is in the country legally, if he is travelling legally," said Netshiunda.
The 58 year-old pastor remains in custody at St Albans Prison and will be back in court on 12 May.
The pastor was arrested by the Hawks at the Port Elizabeth airport last month.