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The NPA has arrested one of its own officials for allegedly extorting R500 000 from a businessman.
Durban – The National Prosecuting Authority has gone after one of its own, seizing three properties and two cars belonging to one of its Durban-based investigators who is charged with extorting R500 000 from a local businessman.
The properties in Cowies Hill, Padfield Park and Glenhills, and two Toyotas which belong to Mark Baker will now be kept under the control of a court-appointed curator until the outcome of his criminal case in the Durban regional court.
Baker is a former police reservist who is now an investigator with the NPA’s risk and security unit.
Should he be found guilty, these can be forfeited to the State.
The order, sought by the Asset Forfeiture Unit, which was granted by Durban High Court Judge Themba Sishi also affected Baker’s alleged partner-in-crime, Farhard Rangila.
Rangila’s flat in Wayne’s Avenue, Berea, and household goods have also been placed under restraint.
In an affidavit filed with the court, investigating officer Colonel Jimmy Mbanjwa said their alleged victim, businessman Mahomed Aslam Osman Akoo had, with the assistance of Rangila’s brother Ahmed, applied for and been given a grant from the Department of Trade and Industry.
Mbanjwa alleges that in April last year, Akoo was approached by three policemen who said “Colonel” Baker wanted to see him at Durban Central police station.
When he got there, he was introduced to “Colonel” Baker who took him to the holding cells and took his belongings, including his phone and wallet, from him.
Akoo, in his statement, said Baker accused him of supplying false information to the Department of Trade and Industry and threatened to arrest him when he said he wanted to consult his attorney. Baker then left.
While in the cells, Akoo was approached by Farhard Rangila, a man he had known for 40 years, who asked him what he was doing there.
When he explained, Rangila left briefly, then returned saying that Baker and his team wanted R3 million for his release.
A figure of R500 000 was agreed on.
Akoo cashed a cheque for R150 000 – which he later put on the back seat of Baker’s car – and transferred R350 000 into the bank account of Romaana Rangila, Farhard’s daughter.
Akoo said Baker warned him that he was “watching him”.
He gave him back his cellphone which had been cleared of all contact numbers and e-mails.
Mbanjwa said Romaana also gave police a statement in which she told of how her father asked for her bank account details.
She went to the bank the next day and was told by an official that a “large amount of money” had been deposited into her account and the bank needed time to clear it.
Two days later, Baker took her and Rangila to the bank where she withdrew the money.
Akoo said a week after handing over the money, he realised that he had been scammed and he called Rangila, demanding his money back.
Baker threatened to “pick up” Akoo, his wife and his attorney.
Baker and Rangila have until October 24 to oppose the restraint of their assets.
They will appear in court again on the criminal charges on October 16. – The Mercury
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NPA arrests one of its own