KZN cops deny guilt in fraud case
2012-07-30 17:25
Pietermaritzburg - A former police director and four others pleaded not guilty to 128 charges, including corruption, in the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietmaritzburg on Monday.
Director Hariram Badul, Captain Suresh Naraindath, Superintendent Yunus Khan, Constable Bhekuyise Nkabini and businessman Sigamoney Pillay face charges of racketeering, theft, fraud, and money laundering.
Their trial is set down for two months.
They allegedly participated in an "enterprise" aimed at profiting from unlawful activities, and evaded detection by disguising the proceeds.
According to the State Badul, who was the commander of the Mountain Rise police station in Pietermaritzburg, led the enterprise.
Naraindath worked in the police station's supply chain management section and answered to Badul. He allegedly oversaw procurement, collected cash from Yugan Naik in lieu of goods, and paid this to Badul.
Khan was a senior officer in cluster supply chain management and established a relationship with Badul.
Nkabini allegedly took goods to Badul's home or farm and hid them once investigations started.
Pillay allegedly pretended to render services to the police station and concealed items for Badul during investigations.
Pillay allegedly handed over money which Badul had paid him, and provided services for Badul's home or farm.
These were allegedly paid for by the SA Police Service.
The crimes allegedly involved procurement of a conference system at a grossly-inflated price.
The enterprise was started early in 2007 and continued to November 2009, when the investigation started.
- SAPA
