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Durban – The state’s case against controversial businessman Thoshan Panday and others highlights how law enforcement officials, charged with the responsibility of enforcing the law, were recruited to obstruct justice.
This is according to the head of the Investigations Directorate, Attorney Hermione Cronje.
Panday faces charges of fraud, extortion, corruption and forgery and is among four people accused of attempting to divert millions of rand through an unreliable tender.
On Friday, Panday and the co-defendant in the case, Colonel Navin Madhoe, were arrested and later released on bail of 100,000 and 10,000 rand, respectively, following their brief appearance before the Durban Magistrates Court.
Two others implicated in the R47m tender corruption case are said to be still at large.
Independent Directorate spokesperson Sindisiwe Twala said the case relates to allegations of fraud and corruption regarding the accommodation of the KwaZulu-Natal Police Services for the FIFA World Cup.
“It is alleged that the defendant defrauded the South African Police Service by grossly inflating the prices of accommodation for members of the police during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Furthermore, there were subsequent attempts to bribe a police officer and these they are a central component of the charges, “she said.
It is alleged that Panday was assisted by the SAPS procurement manager, Colonel Navin Madhoe and another Captain, to obtain R47 million in contracts from the SAPS of Kwazulu Natal.
Twala said the case was registered nearly a decade ago, but there have been obstacles as a result of interference and delaying tactics.
Last month, the Pietermaritzburg High Court dismissed Panday’s request to review the former NDPP’s decision to reinstate the charges. He wanted the NPA to drop the charges.
The case is back on November 11 for the indictment exchange. The other two defendants who are still at large have been notified to report to the police.
One of the suspects is said to be in Cape Town and the other is still at large.
MESS
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