Durban - A Chatsworth policeman allegedly extorted thousands of rand from a pastor’s son by threatening to tell his parents that he was gay if he did not pay the cash he demanded.
Warrant Officer Roshan Bechoolall, 42, was released on R10 000 bail by the Durban Commercial Crime Court on Thursday.
Bechoolall appeared alongside his co-accused, Zayed Hoosain, 28, who was released on R5 000 bail, on a charge of kidnapping and extortion.
The State alleges that Bechoolall, in police uniform, had approached the complainant at Virginia Beach in Durban North on October 23 and threatened to out him to his parents, who are involved in ministerial work at their local church, if he did not pay them.
It is alleged that Bechoolall and Hoosain then accompanied the student to an ATM where he made the first of many withdrawals. The accused kept in contact with the complainant about further withdrawals, the court heard.
Prosecutor, Velekhaya Mgobhozi, told the court on Thursday that several withdrawals were made totalling R24 000, before the complainant reported the matter to police.
A young woman believed to be Bechoolall’s relative sobbed quietly as she heard the allegations against the accused.
The State had no objection to the release of Hoosain on bail, but asked for a seven-day remand in respect of Bechoolall for an identity parade to be held.
Hoosain was arrested on Tuesday after he was allegedly identified by the complainant.
It was Hoosain’s co-operation with police that had led to the arrest of Bechoolall later that day. In his affidavit Hoosain, a father of one, stated that he had been romantically involved with the student.
In respect of Bechoolall, defence attorney, Amith Luckan, argued that it was not common practice to deny an accused bail simply because the applicant had not yet attended an identity parade.
Luckan said Bechoolall was the sole supporter of his family of five, who would not survive without his income of R17 000 a month.
Acting magistrate, Nalini Govender, granted bail and ordered that Bechoolall attend the identity parade on or before Thursday. The matter returns to court next month.
A police source said a notice of intention to suspend Bechoolall, with a 20-year career in the police service, had been issued.
The complainant and his family were receiving support from their church as a result of the incident and the allegations, a friend of the family, who did not wish to be named, said on Thursday.
He described the complainant as an introvert who was sensitive in nature.
Director of the Durban Gay and Lesbian Centre, Nonhlanhla Mkhize, said anyone who felt they were being victimised should seek help from police or approach the centre for help.
Mkhize said because of the rise in hate crimes across the country, workshops were held regularly to create confidence in the gay community with regard to public officials such as police and medical staff.
Mkhize said the allegations would not help a community already disillusioned by the police service.