Randburg prosecutor granted bail in sexual assault, corruption case

A Randburg-based regional court prosecutor accused of sexual assault and corruption has been granted bail in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court, despite strong opposition from the State.

Dinesh Nandkisoor was released on R3,000 bail on Monday after the court found that the interests of justice did not require his continued detention.

Nandkisoor handed himself over to police at the Randburg Police Station last week before making his first court appearance on charges including sexual assault, sexual intimidation, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice.

The charges relate to an alleged incident in September last year. It is understood that the complainant had approached Nandkisoor for assistance with her brother’s case, during which he allegedly engaged in inappropriate conduct and attempted to coerce her into a sexual act.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) further alleges that Nandkisoor offered to withdraw the brother’s case in exchange for the complainant’s silence.

The matter was transferred to the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court due to Nandkisoor’s professional ties to the Randburg Magistrates’ court.

The State opposed bail, arguing that Nandkisoor could interfere with or intimidate the complainant if released.

However, Magistrate Annelise Thlapi rejected these arguments, ruling that the State had not presented sufficient grounds to deny bail.

In her ruling, Thlapi emphasised that bail decisions must prioritise personal liberty, as long as the interests of justice are not compromised.

The court also found that there was no prior relationship between Nandkisoor and the complainant, weakening the State’s argument that he could interfere with her.

Nandkisoor has denied all allegations and indicated that he intends to plead not guilty.

The court further heard that he suffers from a chronic illness and requires ongoing medical treatment.

As part of his bail conditions, he is prohibited from contacting the complainant directly or indirectly and is barred from entering the Randburg Magistrate’s Court. He has also been ordered to surrender his passport.

The case has been postponed to 7 May for further investigation.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe