"Bail should not be used as punishment": Johannesburg High Court Judge Brad Wanless

The Johannesburg High Court has highlighted that bail should not be used as a form of punishment.

The concerns were shared during judgement in the bail appeal application of alleged crime kingpin Katiso KT Molefe on Friday.

Molefe was released on 400-thousand-rand bail after he appealed a ruling by the Alexandra magistrate's court.

The 61-year-old is accused of orchestrating the murders of musicians Dj Sumbody and Dj Vintos whose real names were Oupa Sefoka and Hector Buthelezi in 2022.

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The court found on Friday that Molefe proved exceptional circumstances for his release on bail.

During his judgement of over 2 hours judge Brad Wanless address public perception about bail.

He said bail should not be used a punishment for the accused but is meant to ensure the accused attends court proceedings.

"The public's often misguided perception of the purpose and effect of bail often regarding bail to have a penal character must never be given precedence over the duty of the court to properly apply the facts and relevant principles in a particular matter," said Wanless.

As part of his bail conditions Molefe cannot leave the province of Gauteng, expect for when he visits Welkom for business.

He must also report to the Morningside police station three times a week.

Meanwhile Vusumzi Cat Matlala, another alleged crime boss who was named by top cops along with Molefe at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry also plans to escalate his bid for bail to the high court.