Shaun Roos wins bail appeal in bribery case against City Manager

After spending five months in Pollsmoor Prison, Roos was granted bail of R150 000 in a decision made on Monday. His legal team, led by Bruce Hendricks of Hendricks-Harmse Attorneys, successfully challenged the previous bail denial. Roos walked out of Pollsmoor Prison on Monday. Dressed casually, Roos donned sunglasses as he met his legal team following all administrative processes and even gave one of them a hug to express his relief. Hendricks stated: “Our client is relieved after being incarcerated for five months. Following his release, Roos made an appearance at the Cape Town Magistrates' Court on Tuesday where he heard the matter was postponed to October 28 for further investigation. According to court papers provided by the National Prosecuting Authority, to confirm the decision made, the document states that Roos is facing the following charges relating to the criminal case: Contravening section 4(1)(b) of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004. The allegation is that on February 26, he agreed to pay a R4 million bribe to the City Manager of the City of Cape Town. The alleged purpose of the payment was to secure the reinstatement of tenders for Triple C Construction Company, in which he allegedly has a vested interest. It further detailed that during the bundle of the state's investigation, a whistle blower provided information to the SAPS and the City of Cape Town, which led to a probe, search, and seizure of his premises and an entrapment operation. Shaun Roos (in the tracksuit) with his legal team, Bruce Hendricks of Hendricks-Harmse Attorneys and others. Shaun Roos (in the tracksuit) with his legal team, Bruce Hendricks of Hendricks-Harmse Attorneys and others. Image: supplied The State argued that Roos had a history of attempting to influence witnesses; that he had allegedly attempted to influence the investigating officer; and that while in custody, he allegedly instructed someone to kidnap the whistle blower (based on a sworn affidavit). Based on this, the state argued that bail must be refused. Roos, in turn, via his legal team, argued he had no previous convictions and the magistrate relied too heavily on the investigating officer's evidence. The court in making its decision found that his personal circumstances reduced the risk of absconding and that the magistrate failed to distinguish between the bail application and the broader ongoing investigation. The court further stated that the allegation regarding an alleged kidnapping plot was serious but was related to the investigation rather than the corruption charge. The court stated that the appeal was upheld and that the magistrate's refusal at Cape Town Magistrates' Court in April was set aside and that bail was granted at an amount of R150 000. Bail conditions are that he must live at his residence in Zevenwacht Country Estate, Kuils River, not leave the Western Cape without written permission from the investigating officer, surrender all travel documents and report to Kuils River Police Station every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. He must also not have direct or indirect contact with any State witness. Last month, via a court battle, Roos also managed to maintain his company's machinery following an urgent application by one of its creditors. Roos, during his first bail application earlier this year, said he was innocent and that the state's case was based on an unlawful entrapment operation initiated after false allegations made by a former employee who claimed to be his half-sister.