Rape accused betrayed me - modelling boss

08 March 2016 - 02:49 By Roxanne Henderson

A former business associate of rape-accused modelling agency boss Dawie de Villiers feels betrayed that De Villiers allegedly got models to pose for revealing pictures by claiming he had asked for them. Photographer Dominique Rens-leigh was giving evidence at De Villiers' trial yesterday in the Johannesburg High Court, sitting at the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court, southeast of Johannesburg.De Villiers, 36, faces more than 30 charges, including rape, sexual assault, intimidation and fraud. He has pleaded not guilty to all.De Villiers, who ran his modelling agency from his home in Kempton Park, has been accused by models of stealing money from them under the pretence of giving them modelling lessons and photo-shoots. A woman said De Villiers raped her during a fake photo-shoot.Rensleigh said he had neverrequested revealing pictures from models and that he felt betrayed after hearing that De Villiers had allegedly dragged his name into "those situations".He said industry standards demanded that a photographer did not work alone with models, as De Villiers had allegedly done, because it could lead to rumours about sexual impropriety between the photographer and model."Never photograph a model alone - you're looking for trouble [if you do]. That's a no-no," he said.Rensleigh estimated he lost between R150000 and R200000 in his dealings with De Villiers...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.