Man accused of B Bay extortion letters ‘not a dangerous person’

Defence asks East London court to release Zehmke, 48, on bail

The East London man accused of extorting a number of Beacon Bay residents does not know his alleged victims, and therefore will not pose any danger to them.

This was the argument of Clyde Zehmke’s attorney, Reece Collett of Changfoot Van Breda Incorporated, in the city’s magistrate’s court, where the 48year-old made his bail bid on Monday.

He was arrested by the crime intelligence unit on November 16.

The state is opposing his release. Zehmke told the court he would plead not guilty to the charge of extortion he faces.

In closing arguments, Collett said there was no evidence that his client would evade trial or that he posed any danger to the alleged victims.

He said his client was unlikely to commit any other crimes if he was released.

“What we are dealing with here is a schedule one bail application.

“It seems the state is relying on the threatening letter [that was allegedly sent to the victims].

“He [Zehmke] does not know them and neither do they know him.

“This is speculating at best. “The evidence is clear — there is no knowledge of who is who; no one was harmed; no money was exchanged.

“[There is] no evidence that anyone will be harmed by his release.

“What we have is evidence of the applicant’s unblemished record [criminal and work records].

“He is not a dangerous person,” the attorney said.

State prosecutor Bonginkosi Mafa said Zehmke knew where the witnesses lived.

“He has already threatened the complainants.

“In the letter that was read by the investigating officer, it says they must not report this to anyone or else their families will have negative consequences.

“The state submits that if he is released on bail, the lives of complainants and witnesses will be in danger.”

Zehmke, in his affidavit read by Collett, said he was a breadwinner, supporting a wife and two children, and his continued stay in custody would see him losing his job as a mechanical engineering consultant.

His said his family would suffer monetary prejudice, and might end up losing their home in Gonubie on which he pays a monthly mortgage.

His eldest child is 23 and unemployed, while his youngest is still at school.

His health was at risk while in custody, he claimed, although he is healthy now, because the prison units have about 30 prisoners and there is no social distancing.

He said he had no previous convictions or pending cases against him, and could afford R1,000 bail.

“I don’t know the witnesses or complainants in this matter. My release on bail will not endanger the public,” his affidavit read.

“I’m willing to abide with any bail conditions.”

Investigating officer Christian Bouwer, opposing bail, read the letter that was allegedly found in the driveways of about 30 residents on November 8 demanding a payment of R22,000 or threatening the families with danger.

Bouwer said he was opposing bail as Zehmke was a danger to society. He said one of the victims was 87 years old.

“He has threatened a lot of people.

“Other victims don’t want to give statements because they fear coming to court.

“Some witnesses fear for their lives. Some of the letters were read by children. They will not feel safe if he is released.

“This man chose to go to these people, threaten them, making them feel unsafe in their homes.

“He chose violence.” Bouwer said there were 11 of the letters in the docket.

“They [the complainants] don’t want him to be released.”

Judgment on bail is expected to be handed down on Friday.