A Kraaifontein woman, who has been in jail in Oman for three months, was apparently nabbed after allegedly helping her brother, who was facing a murder rap, to escape.
It is understood Omani authorities have now asked for the brother to hand himself over in exchange for Chloe Collins’ freedom, reports The Star.
A source close to the case said Collins was allegedly detained because her brother is a suspect in the murder of an Omani citizen and Collins allegedly assisted him to illegally flee the country.
“She got him a (plane) ticket and helped him to escape,” said the source.
Collins arrived in Oman in April to work in the hospitality industry as a hotel waitron.
However, less than three weeks after arriving she was jailed.
Chloe Collins arrived in Oman in April to work in the hospitality.
Her family’s lawyer, Simone Carolissen, told The Star that they do not know what Collins was charged with or whether she has made an appearance in court in Oman.
“Everything has been hanging in the air but what we do know is that she is in custody.
“She went to work over there and she was sent through an agency.
“There is a story that has been making the rounds in respect that her brother has been linked to a crime in Oman,” was all the lawyer would say about the alleged murder charge.
Carolissen said they did not want to disclose the brother’s name for his safety, but confirmed that he was in Oman and had returned to South Africa.
The brother is currently at a mental institution where he was being treated for schizophrenia diagnosed on his return to SA.
Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) spokesperson Clayson Monyela said they are aware of the matter but can’t interfere as per “international practice”.
In addition, he said Collins asked Dirco “not to share any information regarding her detention with the media”.
According to Carolissen, the family could not afford a lawyer for Collins, with Oman lawyers quoting the family 5000 rial (R200 000).