Controversial businessman Timmy Marimuthu was arrested in Durban on Tuesday.

Controversial businessman and convicted drug dealer Timmy Marimuthu made his first appearance in the Durban Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.

He was arrested on Tuesday by the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation, known as the Hawks.

Dressed in a brown jacket, Marimuthu brushed his hair with his hands as he made his way into the dock.

He is facing charges of kidnapping, crimen injuria, cybercrime, sexual assault, and obtaining women for purposes of prostitution.