UNDER SCRUTINY: Julian Brown is allegedly the head of a multimillion-rand poaching enterprise. Picture: Supplied
‘Obviously wealthy’ Brown ordered to pay staggering R800 000 to go free
If the suspected head of a multimillion-rand perlemoen enterprise could pay R800 000 in cash for a car, he should be able to come up with the same amount for bail, a magistrate ruled yesterday, drawing shocked gasps from the gallery.
Julian Brown’s bail amount – set at R800 000 by magistrate Estie Petzer – is believed to be the highest set yet in a Port Elizabeth court.
It surprised both the prosecution, which had asked for R500 000 bail, and the defence, which had wanted bail of R100 000.
Petzer said it could not be disputed that Brown was very well off.
Wearing a grey tracksuit top, a tired-looking Brown, 30, of South End, battled to come up with the cash in the hour before the court building shut, bagging himself another night behind bars.
However, it is likely he will pay bail from the St Albans Prison before the weekend.
Brown is accused of heading the enterprise, in which he allegedly employed Eugene “Boesman” Victor, 31, of North End, and Edgar Clulow, 24.
Clulow was released on bail of R2 500 last week.
The court had earlier heard how Brown managed to build up a collection of expensive watches, valued at R200 000, and flashy cars worth close to R1-million.
None of the cars is registered in his name.
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