A South African Police Service Crime Intelligence colonel accused of assaulting and extorting a complainant has been released on R10,000 bail after successfully bringing an urgent application in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg.
According to a statement issued by NPA Gauteng Division communications officer Magaboke Mohlatlole, Colonel Ishmael Dawood was granted bail after the State verified his residential address, a condition that had delayed his release when he first appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Dawood made his initial court appearance on July 21 on charges of assault and extortion. The case was postponed to July 24 for verification of his residential address and a formal bail application.
After the State confirmed his address, the defence approached the high court on an urgent basis seeking his release on bail. The prosecution did not oppose the application and the high court subsequently granted bail of R10,000.
Despite his release, the criminal case against Dawood remains before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court and is expected to resume on Friday, July 24, for further investigation.
The State alleges that Dawood met the complainant in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, in December 2023, where he allegedly assaulted the individual during the meeting.
Prosecutors further allege that Dawood demanded money from the complainant, which was paid at his instruction, before allegedly making further demands for additional payments.
The NPA said it would continue placing all relevant evidence before the court and remained committed to prosecuting the matter fairly and in accordance with the law.
