Man accused of kidnapping his three children granted bail

A British national accused of kidnapping his three children late last year has been granted bail of R50‚000.

The state strongly opposed bail during Abdul Tarmohamed's formal application last week.

Tarmohamed’s ex-wife had approached the Pretoria high court and attained an order granting her temporary custody of their three children.

Tarmohamed however stated in his affidavit that he had no knowledge of the court order as it had not been served on him.

• Father accused of kidnapping his children makes third attempt at bailA man accused of kidnapping his three children is set to appear in Randburg magistrate’s court in a third attempt at a formal bail application on Wednesday. 

He was charged with contempt of court for removing the children unlawfully.

Tarmohamed allegedly took his children through the Lebombo border post into Mozambique in August last year.

The couple and their children had settled in South Africa in 2014 after being granted permits.

Presiding Magistrate Andrea Davis said the state’s case against Tarmohamed was "lacking in detail" and that it would not be in the interest of justice to deny bail but strict bail conditions would be imposed.

• Man accused of kidnapping his three children will have to spend another week behind bars as he awaits verdict on bailJudgment on a bail application by Abdul Tarmahomed‚ who is accused of kidnapping his three children‚ is set to be handed down next Thursday. 

Tarmohamed‚ whose formal residence is in Mozambique‚ is to stay in Gauteng and report to the Brixton police station once a week each Wednesday.

His ex-wife‚ Somiya Basar‚ who brought the case against him‚ said she believed the court was fair.

"If they have granted him a bail‚ they should have valid reasons for it.

“I believe now the trial can start‚" said Basar.

Tarmohamed’s brother‚ Bilal Tarmohamed‚ said the children were in Mozambique with their grandparents and other relatives and were safe and well taken care of.

"This case should not have been taken into the South African courts‚ it's a waste of state money. He will not evade trial‚" said Bilal.

TMG Digital/TimesLIVE