Avinash Ramkistan, 39, of Glen Ashley in Durban North, was convicted last week in the Durban Regional Court on all charges related to threats made against judicial officials. The conviction, handed down last week, saw Ramkistan found guilty on all charges presented against him in the Durban Regional Court. Ramkistan, who was arrested in April last year, reportedly threatened a judge and prosecutors. Specifically, he was arrested in April 2025, according to court documents, in connection with the threats. "You, advocate Mthembu and Val Melis are going to be taken by force. Do you understand me?" Ramkistan stated, according to court records. He further added, "Y'all are gonna f die. I am gonna shed blood for this," and "I am gonna come there and wipe all your m** out." He also directly addressed an individual saying, "I will come see you personally..." These statements formed part of the evidence presented during the trial.
Background of Case
The threats by Avinash Ramkistan originated from a civil matter following his disbarment for a period of 10 years by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority. This disbarment by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority was a key event preceding the threats. Ramkistan previously initiated a fraud and corruption case against an acting judge after experiencing an unfavorable outcome in a civil action before the Durban High Court. This legal setback in the Durban High Court, where he lost a civil action, prompted him to open a fraud and corruption case against the acting judge involved. He reportedly made threats against a range of individuals involved in the legal system. These individuals included the former national Director of Public Prosecutions, Shamila Batohi, as well as a judge, several prosecutors, and police officials. The alleged threats specifically targeted Ms. Shamila Batohi, a judge, various prosecutors, and police personnel who were involved in his legal affairs. The extensive nature of these threats noted the severity of his actions.
Details of Threats
Avinash Ramkistan made verbal threats against prosecutors and previous investigating officers, communicating these through emails and voice recordings. The court heard that these threats were not only verbal but also disseminated through written communications and recorded messages. During court proceedings, a voice recording was presented where Ramkistan delivered death threats targeting a prosecutor. This particular recording, played during the trial, contained explicit death threats directed at a prosecutor involved in his case. Ramkistan reportedly recorded the conversation in question and subsequently posted it on his Facebook page. The act of recording the conversation and then publicly sharing it on his social media platform further demonstrated the deliberate nature of his intimidation. Since his arrest in 2024, Ramkistan has remained in police custody. His continuous detention since his initial arrest in 2024 shows the seriousness with which the authorities have viewed his conduct.
Legal Ramifications
Charges against Avinash Ramkistan included intimidation, crimen injuria, contravention of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Act, and contravention of the Cybercrimes Act. The prosecution successfully argued that Ramkistan's actions fell under these specific legal infringements. The legal proceedings resulted in his conviction on all charges. The Durban Regional Court found him guilty on every count, reflecting the weight of the evidence presented against him. His sentencing is expected next month, following the conclusion of the trial in the Durban Regional Court. The upcoming sentencing hearing will determine the final penalty for his crimes. The conviction marks a significant legal outcome for the threats made against judicial officials involved in his prior cases. This verdict sends a clear message regarding the protection of judicial integrity and the consequences for those who attempt to undermine the legal system through threats and intimidation. The case notes the strong legal framework in place to safeguard those who uphold justice from such malicious acts.
