Cape Town. 120227. Kurt Erispe, one of the accused in the Bronx owner murder is released on bail at Cape Town Magistrates court. He is greeted by family members who wish to remain anonymous. Picture Courtney Africa Cape Town. 120227. Kurt Erispe, one of the accused in the Bronx owner murder is released on bail at Cape Town Magistrates court. He is greeted by family members who wish to remain anonymous. Picture Courtney Africa
One of four men accused of murdering a Cape Town nightclub owner was granted R10 000 bail in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The family of 32-year-old Kurt Erispe filled the public gallery. One woman shrieked when he was granted bail.
The body of 50-year-old Bronx owner Bruno Bronn was found by his domestic worker on February 7 at his home in Green Point.
His hands were bound with tape and he had marks around his neck.
Bronn, who owned one of the city’s oldest gay nightclubs, was a prominent figure in the gay community.
State prosecutor Quintin Appels said he had found no reason to oppose bail because Erispe had no previous convictions, no outstanding cases, his address was confirmed, he was not a flight risk, he did not intimidate State witnesses and he was not a danger to the community.
“However, bail will be approved on condition that the accused is not arrested for further offences, should not contact State witnesses, if the accused should leave the province the investigating officer must be contacted for permission, and should his address change the investigating officer must be informed in advance,” said Appels.
Two other accused, Fareez Allie, 29, and Achmat Toffa, 35, are expected to appear in court on Wednesday next week for a formal bail application.
Toffa’s lawyer, Richard Rhode, withdrew from the case on Monday, handing over to William Booth.
The court attempted to contact Booth, but he failed to respond, leaving Toffa without a representative and delaying proceedings for more than 30 minutes.
Erispe’s lawyer, John Riley, said he didn’t think the court should wait for Booth because he was ready to proceed. “With all due respect, Booth, as courtesy, should have contacted the prosecutor,” said Riley.
Magistrate Frederick Louw warned Toffa to ensure that his lawyer was in court when he appeared next week.
Meanwhile, a former Bronx nightclub bouncer and the first suspect arrested, John Frederick Coetzee, 36, made a brief appearance before he abandoned his bail application.
Coetzee was arrested at his flat in Bo-Kaap just over two weeks ago.
He is expected to appear in court with Allie and Toffa next week.
The three men will remain in custody until then.
Earlier this month, Bronn’s friends told the Cape Times that before he died, Bronn was living in fear because he was being harassed. - Cape Times
lauren.isaacs@inl.co.za