Photographer denies asking for revealing pictures of models

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 Rensleigh started testifying in De Villiers' trial on Monday at 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 the charges.

De Villiers‚ who ran his modelling agency from his home in Kempton Park‚ has been accused by models he has worked with of stealing money from them under the pretence of giving them modelling lessons and photo shoots.

A woman‚ who cannot be named as she is the complainant in an alleged sexual crime‚ said De Villiers raped her during a fake photo shoot.

Rensleigh said that he had never requested revealing pictures from models and that he felt betrayed after hearing that De Villiers had allegedly dragged his name into "those situations".

He explained that‚ according to industry standards‚ a photographer never worked with models alone‚ 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 said he partnered with De Villiers for the accused man to manage events for Rensleigh's modelling academy. They were supposed to split the profits from events 50/50‚ but Rensleigh claimed he never saw his cut.

He said De Villiers instead squandered the money on a DStv subscription‚ an expensive gaming console and presents for women.

Rensleigh estimated he lost between R150000 and R200000 in his dealings with De Villiers‚ which included De Villiers allegedly selling office furniture and a camera that belonged to Rensleigh without his permission.

He also took aim at De Villiers' motivational speaking work‚ saying that when he met the man‚ De Villiers knew nothing of the modelling industry and could barely address an audience. The trial continues.

– TMG Digital/TMG Courts and Law