The Durban businessman made his apology yesterday during a short break in proceedings at the Verulam Magistrates Court in eThekwini. Kessie Nair has apologised for his racist comments about President Cyril Ramaphosa.
He was appearing for a formal bail application after a case of crimen injuria was opened against him by former ANC councillor Brandon Pillay. The case was opened after a video of Nair calling the president the “k” word went viral and outraged people across Mzansi.
“I want to publicly apologise to President Cyril Ramaphosa and the nation,” he said. He said he should have used a word other than the “k” word, but he had used it because he was “emotional”. “I will call upon the president and the nation to find it within them to forgive me,” he said.
Nair’s lawyer, Chris Gounden, and prosecutor San Bhartu crossed swords over whether Nair should go for psychiatric tests. “I do not think it was right that my colleague made the conclusion that my client should go for a mental assessment, based on gossip she found on Facebook that my client has a mental disorder,” said Gounden.
However, Bhartu said, however, family members told the investigating officer Nair was mentally ill. Magistrate Ncumisa Gcolotela postponed the case until Monday. Nair will remain in custody.
Source: Daily Sun
