Former bouncer boss ‘will not play games’

Former nightclub security boss Richard van Zyl appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on intimidation charges on Friday, where his attorney accused the State of using delaying tactics to “severely prejudice” his client.

Van Zyl, manager of controversial Specialised Protection Services (SPS), which was effectively shut down last month for illegally supplying bouncers to about 200 Peninsula entertainment venues, was arrested last month after handing himself over to police. He allegedly threatened a bouncer, claiming that “harm” would come his way.

The bouncer, who had been fired from SPS and was stationed at a club in Plumstead, had apparently approached a Claremont club to offer them his protection services.

On Friday was Van Zyl’s second court appearance and his attorney Cornelius Smith was visibly irritated when it was indicated that more time was needed for the investigation.

Smith asked that if the matter was indeed postponed, it would be the final remand for investigation as “it is only my client who is being prejudiced”.

“We want to send a message that we are not going to play games in this court,” he said.

Smith added that Van Zyl had voluntarily surrendered his firearm, and that when the matter came before the court again, he wanted information on the tests that were performed on the weapon.

He also wanted an indication of when it would be returned to Van Zyl.

Smith said he felt sorry for the prosecutor as “ clearly, the investigating officers and other parties are not performing”.

Prosecutor Kagiso Kraai said statements had to be obtained from witnesses and that accusing the State of delays was “unjust”.

“It is only his second appearance and he is out on bail,” he said.

Van Zyl took over the running of the now defunct SPS following the arrest of the co-owners, millionaire businessman Mark Lifman and AndréNaudé last month. The company was found to not have registered with the Private Security Regulatory Authority.

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