The Port Elizabeth Regional Court is expected to hand down a ruling on whether it will return a verdict of not guilty against well known businessman Johann Dreyer, who is standing trial on rape and sexual assault charges.
Dreyer pleaded not guilty to two charges of sexual assault and one of rape.
The alleged incidents took place during 2014, with two complainants, who were at the time employed by Dreyer, having testified against him this week.
Defense advocate Terry Price on Thursday will bring forward an application in terms of section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act which provides that if at the close of the prosecution’s case, the court believes there is no evidence that the accused committed the offence, it may return a verdict of not guilty.
The state closed its case on Tuesday.
The matter was again held in-camera on Wednesday. Both complainants concluded their testimony on Tuesday.
Dreyer is the owner of popular accommodation lodges which include Beacon Lodge, Crow’s Nest and the King’s Tide Boutique Hotel along the Port Elizabeth beachfront.
-African News Agency
