Allegations of R1.6 million extortion against Pretoria prosecutor and police officer
Court
A suspended prosecutor and police officer were arrested for allegedly extorting R1.6 million from a businessman.
Image: File
A SUSPENDED prosecutor and a police officer, who allegedly demanded a payment of R1.6 million from a businessman in exchange for his release, appeared in Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on charges of extortion on Wednesday.
Advocate Avinash Ramapararat, 45, who was based at the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit, and Constable Abdul Haig Shaik, 37, a police officer stationed at Wierdabrug Police Station, were each released on R5 000 bail.
Lumka Mahanjana, the spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Pretoria, said it was alleged that Shaik contacted the businessman and requested he report to the Wierdabrug Police Station regarding a fraud and theft case opened by Agynt Commodities in February 2024.
She said the case related to a coal transaction between the businessman’s company and Agynt Commodities in 2023.
Mahanjana said upon arrival, the businessman was arrested by Shaik and placed in a holding cell.
“While in custody, the two accused allegedly demanded a payment of R1.6 million in exchange for the businessman’s release. The complainant paid the money and was later released.
“Months later, after following up on the case at the police station, the complainant was informed that the case number given to him was unrelated to his matter,” she said.
Mahanjana said the businessman reported the incident to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, which led to the arrest of Ramapararat and Shaik on July 25, 2025.
“During their bail application, the State did not oppose bail as both accused had cooperated with the investigation, were not deemed flight risks, and had confirmed residential addresses.”
Mahanjana said in addition to the current matter, Ramapararat and Shaik also faced separate charges of extortion and corruption in a case before the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court.
“The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to combating corruption, including within its ranks. Advocate Ramapararat was placed on suspension pending finalisation of internal disciplinary processes,” she said.
Ramapararat and Shaik are expected to appear back in court for both matters in October.