Former SAA board member Yakhe Kwinana told the court that she intends to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the extortion charges against her are baseless. Kwinana, who was arrested in Sandton last week Tuesday, was back at the East London Magistrates Court to apply for bail today.

TENANTS AGREED TO PAY

In her bail bid, Kwinana (61) stated that her tenants, who built homes on the land she allegedly owns in Bhongweni Village, East London, have agreed to pay rent. "I cannot stay in prison for the charges that I am going to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that they are frivolous. Had the NPA investigated, they would have seen the eviction order that allowed me to demolish the houses. Had they investigated the extortion allegations, they would have understood that there was an agreement with my tenants that they were going to pay, and they did pay, and I have witnesses to them agreeing to pay,' she said. She added that she spoke to the community, and they were made to understand that rates had gone up and she needed financial assistance. "I don't know how the extortion will be proved,' she said.

CHARGES

Kwinana is facing charges of extortion, theft, malicious property damage, and pointing a firearm. It is alleged that Kwinana terrorised residents who built houses on her land and used armed security personnel and heavy machinery to demolish the homes of tenants who failed to pay rent. A community member said that they are paying R1 000 monthly rent to Kwinana. The bail hearing continues.