Andrew Lionel Phillips, facing charges relating to operating three alleged brothels in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs, appeared in the city’s regional court on Monday.
Phillips pleaded not guilty to six charges relating to operating The Ranch, The Titty Twister and The Oriental Palace.
In a statement submitted to the court by advocate Mike Hellens, SC, who is the head of the defence team, Phillips said the ”ulterior aim” for his prosecution was to obtain his assets.
”There are many other erotic clubs operating in Gauteng, yet no prosecution has been brought before their operators. My prosecution has been a selective process,” he said.
”I have been singled out because the Asset Forfeiture Unit identified me as a source of sizeable assets.”
The charges to which Phillips pleaded not guilty to are unlawfully keeping brothels, procuring females to have unlawful sex with unidentified persons, and procuring women to become common prostitutes.
There are also charges of him living wholly or partly off the proceeds of prostitution, employing women who were aliens and perjury.
The latter charge relates to a statement made by Phillips on January 19 2001, when he allegedly denied owning or operating The Oriental Palace. The statement was contrary to another he allegedly made in December 1997 about the brothel.
Prosecutor advocate Joe Davidowitz told the court he would apply for the evidence of witnesses to be given in camera and would also seek an order prohibiting the publication of the names of the female employees mentioned during the trial.
Hellens said at the time his client was arrested and charged, moves were under way to decriminalise offences related to prostitution in South Africa.
The hearing continues and is set to run until January 23. — Sapa