The two co-accused of former bouncer Gary Beuthin were denied bail in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Magistrate Fatima Khan found they had not satisfied the court that there were exceptional circumstances for them to be granted bail.
In addition, the court did not believe it was in the interests of justice, Khan said in refusing bail.
Melanie van Niekerk (31) and Warren Schertel (34) are accused with Beuthin of attempted murder, armed robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping and possession of firearms and ammunition.
Khan said the inference could be drawn from the evidence presented in their bail application that the state had a sufficient case for Van Niekerk and Schertel to answer.
She postponed the case until January 28 when it is likely the case will be set down for trial in the Johannesburg High Court.
‘Adult stunner’
A classified advertisement for an ”adult stunner” precipitated an alleged assault by Beuthin, the court heard earlier.
The advertisement was in the adult-entertainment section of the Star‘s classifieds, the court was told in Van Niekerk and Schertel’s bail application.
Under cross-examination, investigating officer Director Piet Byleveld testified that the advert did not name a specific woman, nor was it directed at the man allegedly assaulted, Edward Jacobs.
It read: ”Absolute stunner. Pvt tel [followed by a cellphone number], Sandton.”
After answering the ad, Jacobs was directed to a house in Morningside where a woman answered the door, accepted money from him then took him to a bedroom.
He was waiting on the bed for the services he had paid for when Beuthin, Van Niekerk and Schertel entered and he was assaulted.
Nigel Riley, appearing for Van Niekerk, submitted that she had merely been in the ”wrong place at the wrong time”.
He contended that she was involved in a romantic liaison with Beuthin and been ”influenced” by him. Earlier evidence was they were engaged. – Sapa