The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court has granted bail to a prosecutor from the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit (SCCU), Advocate Avinash Ramapararat (45), and two police officers from Wierdabrug Police Station, Sergeant Herman Matsabane Mnguni (46) and Constable Abdul Haig Shaik (35). Each was released on bail of R5,000 under strict conditions prohibiting interference with witnesses or the ongoing investigation. They are collectively charged with two counts of extortion and two counts of corruption involving sums of R100,000 and R300,000.
The charges stem from allegations that the officials extorted money from a local businessman, the complainant in the case. According to reports, the businessman was arrested and charged with fraud on June 28, 2024. Following his arrest, it is alleged that Advocate Ramapararat and Constable Shaik approached him with a demand for R300,000 in exchange for securing his release. The businessman reportedly contacted his business partner, who provided the payment.
also read: Prosecutor and Two Police Officers Face Corruption and Extortion Charges in Court
However, after the businessman’s release, continued requests for further payments raised suspicions. In response, the businessman reported the matter to authorities. The National Anti-Corruption Investigations Unit took on the case, organizing a sting operation that involved a R100,000 payment to Sergeant Mnguni. This led to the arrests of Mnguni and Shaik on October 25 and 26, respectively, with Advocate Ramapararat taken into custody shortly afterward on October 31.
The court has set the next hearing for February 17, 2025, to allow time for further investigation. The case highlights an ongoing commitment by law enforcement to address corruption and abuse of power within the justice system.
