The Muslim Lawyers Association (MLA) has expressed optimism that the terror financing case against Ziyadh Hoorzook will not hold up in court.

This follows Hoorzook’s release on R30 000 bail by the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court in the North West yesterday.

Hoorzook, 35, was arrested at his Johannesburg home earlier this month after a lengthy investigation into a suspicious R11 500 transaction to an organisation called Al-Sadaqah. The organisation has been flagged by the United States as a terrorist entity in Syria.

The transaction allegedly occurred in 2017 while Hoorzook was living in Lichtenburg.

The case has been postponed to March 3, 2025, for further investigation.

Magistrate Joshua Lebombo granted Hoorzook bail, saying, “The state has failed to prove on a balance of probabilities the factors of grounds as stipulated in section 64(a) to (e) of the Criminal Procedure Act, which justifies the release of the accused on bail. All these factors cumulatively weigh more in favour of the applicant being admitted to be released on bail. Therefore, the applicant’s release on bail will be in the interest of justice, and as a result, bail is granted and fixed at an amount of R30 000.”

North West | Terror financing accused granted bail

Yoshua Tayob from the MLA says, “Considering the magistrate’s judgment and the fact that he heard all the concessions made by the investigation officer, who was thoroughly examined by the defense counsel in the matter, I’m hoping that the state will review the entire case and stop the persecution.”

The MLA believes the case lacks sufficient evidence and hopes for a favourable outcome for Hoorzook.

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