Suspended bank manager seeks second bail application amid serious drug charges

A SUSPENDED Standard Bank manager who was previously denied bail is expected to bring a new application on new facts before the Cape Town Magistrate's Court.

Raed Cupido, 40, and his co-accused Christopher Carelse returned to court on Wednesday, via Audio Visual Remand (AVR) from the Pollsmoor Correctional Facility.

Cupido was arrested on June 10 with 15 bricks of cocaine worth an estimated street value of R18 million, an AK-103 Rifle, Uzi Pro Rifle, five semi-automatic firearms and 130 rounds of ammunition inside a storage unit in Roeland Street.

Meanwhile, Carelse is alleged to be his accomplice, with the State claiming that they are so-called “first receivers” of drugs being brought into the Cape.

The court heard that Cupido is expected to bring a new bail application on new facts, after he and his co-accused were previously denied bail.

The court previously heard in his last application that he earned approximately R78 000 a month, previously worked at British American Tobacco Group, Woolworths and Phillip Morris Group, working as a commercial planning and development manager and flew across the world for this job.

He also owns RADC Transport, a fleet company with 17 vehicles that earns R160 000 per month, and properties, including in Rondebosch, Claremont and Green Point, valued at over R20 million.

The accused stated in his application that he is a family man who is married to a conveyance attorney and has two minor children. However, since he has been in jail, their family trip to France was cancelled.

Cupido stated he is a well-respected soccer coach within the community and due to conditions at Pollsmoor being overcrowded and damaging to his health, he appealed to be released on bail.

He added that he has no previous convictions, pending matters, outstanding warrants, and is not a flight risk or danger to society.

The court heard that forensic reports on the drugs have been completed, however the State is awaiting video footage.

The case was postponed to October 10.

Cape Times