October 04, 2024

Fraud Accused Thoshan Panday to Appear in Court

Thoshan Panday is scheduled to appear before the Durban Magistrate's Court on Friday, following his failure to attend a previous court session on September 25, 2024.

Panday, 52, who faces more than 27 counts of fraud, was reportedly receiving medical treatment at a private hospital in Durban during his absence. His legal team had presented a medical certificate to explain his absence, but the court ordered the head of the prison and the admitting doctor to be subpoenaed for failing to inform the court of his condition.

Panday has been held at Durban's Westville Prison since his arrest on September 5, 2024, and remains in custody after being denied bail. He is accused of submitting false VAT and annual income tax returns, allegedly defrauding the South African Revenue Service (SARS) of R7.3 million.

Indictments were supposed to be served on September 25, 2024, with the case expected to be transferred to the Durban High Court.

In a separate case, Panday faces corruption, fraud, and money laundering charges related to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The State alleges that he controlled several entities that received approximately R47 million from the South African Police Service (SAPS) due to a corrupt relationship with its Supply Chain Management Division.

His co-accused in this matter include his mother, wife, sister, brother-in-law, and personal assistant, with the trial set for next year in the Durban High Court.