Cape Town - The owner of Euphoria Social Club in Kraaifontein walked out of the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court on a high note after prosecutors decided not to place his case on the roll.
Social media has been buzzing since the three-part video showing the raid of the members-only cannabis club went viral.
Posted on Facebook by Angelica Main, the video starts off with police standing inside the establishment in Brighton Road, Windsor Park, explaining the Firearms Control Act to the owner Timothy Duckitt, 33, who asks for their search warrant.
Duckitt’s lawyer, Wildre Fourie, said his client had a permit displayed in the front window of his shop, showing that he is allowed to cultivate the herb.
However, according to Duckitt, who spoke to the Cape Argus on Tuesday, the police would not listen to him, but took the permit and chucked it in Shoprite bags along with his weed.
An overjoyed Duckitt said he was happy to be home yesterday, surrounded by his children and wife.
“I am a family man, I am no troublemaker and this shows.
“I am just so thankful to everyone who stood by me and supported me. This weekend served as a reminder that I have people supporting me, as bizarre as it was, I took something away from it.”
The emergence of cannabis clubs has seen several open across the metro in recent months, including in Durbanville and Sea Point.
Duckitt said he had no doubt that he would walk out a free man.
Duckitt said he will be hosting an Open Day this weekend for everyone, including non-members, who showed their support.
“This showed how the cannabis community can stand together, we are all on a high after this.”
Fourie said the prosecutors had too many queries on the docket during the screening process.
“I also brought the permit to show it again, but they informed me there were too many queries, so until they have clarity, they won’t put it on the court roll. I am relieved and so is my client.”
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za