Pirates survivor Calitz drug case postponed

Somali pirate kidnap survivor Debbie Calitz and eight other people appeared on drug-related charges in the Hatfield District Court in Pretoria on Monday.

"This matter is postponed to January 30 at 8.30am. It is still under police investigation," magistrate Kenneth Chauke said.

They were granted bail of R1000 each.

Calitz, 50, and eight others between the ages of 19 and 29 were arrested at a house in Constantia Park, in Pretoria, on Friday.

Prosecutor Lebo Mokalake said the police received a tip-off about a drugs party, and found hallucinogenic "magic mushrooms" and dagga.

Calitz, Kerri-Anne Cross, Matthew Beukes, Jarryd Lottering, Timothy Lombard, Jason Cross, Nicolas Fourie, Zane Coles, and Donavan Coles each face a charge of possession of drugs.

Calitz and her former long-term partner Bruno Pelizzari were released from captivity in Somalia almost six months ago, after being held for nearly two years.

Calitz recently released a book regarding her kidnap, titled "Debbie Calitz: 20 Months in Hostage Hell".