Cape Town - The bail appeal application by a UK man accused of fleeing his hometown and hiding in Constantia while facing drug charges, has been delayed.
Callum Gower returned to the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court yesterday, head of his extradition hearing.
While it was revealed that Gower’s bail appeal was set to be heard by the Western Cape High Court today, a delay will see it only being heard later this month.
Gower, along with his mother, Caroline Sevier, were arrested by Interpol several months ago while respectively living in Constantia and Sea Point, for allegedly fleeing their home in Sussex as they faced a string of drug charges.
In the extradition application, UK authorities outlined the details of the investigation into the duo.
According to a statement by the Chief Crown Prosecutor, the information compiled in the application dated back to June 2020 when a warrant of arrest was issued for Gower.
During raids on his home, police confiscated £23075 in cash and drugs valued at nearly £400000.
Both bail applications have since been denied by local courts, but court proceedings were hamstrung last month after it was revealed that the affidavit, which formed the basis of the arrest warrant, could not be found as requested by defence lawyer, advocate Bruce Hendricks. The affidavit was subsequently found and Hendricks withdrew from the case.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said: “The accused has terminated the services of his previous legal representatives and has appointed Matthewson and Gess.
“The extradition matter has been remanded to August 21 provisionally to provide the legal representatives an opportunity to consult with their client.”