The prosecutor in the bail application of the Al Noor Orphanage’s manager says the 48-year-old woman is faking the severity of her illness and has two South African passports of which only one has been handed to her defence attorney.
Amina Okpara was arrested in May by the Hawks on charges of stealing donations to the orphanage.
Earlier that week, the Department of Social Development removed 17 children from the premises following allegations of sexual assault, allegedly by the facility manager Nkululeko Mboniswa.
On Tuesday Mboniswa, 26, appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on two charges of assault (grievous bodily harm), sexual assault and sexual grooming of a child.
He was released on bail and will next appear on 27 September.
On Wednesday at the same court, prosecutor Adiel Jansen, called for bail to be denied as he regarded Okpara as a very high flight risk.
Magistrate Reaz Khan asked why she would run when she had previously attended court in other cases after being released on bail.
Jansen replied: “Things are different now. With this investigation, the fraud, and contravention of the Immigration Act multiple times, is in the light.
“If she stays and faces the charges, she will spend substantial time in jail.”
Outside court, Okpara’s supporters held a picket and her friend of 20 years, Zobri Effendi, said she was innocent.
“I will hold this court responsible should anything happen to her.
“She is sick and none of these allegations against her are valid.”
The matter was postponed to 23 July.