Correctional Services commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale has tasked a senior official to probe allegations that wealthy inmates including businessman Thoshan Panday are receiving special treatment.
As first reported by the Mail & Guardian, wealthy inmates in KZN correctional centres are allegedly bribing prison wardens for “hospital holidays”.
IS THOSHAN PANDAY RECEIVING SPECIAL TREATMENT?
In a statement, the Department of Correctional Services said the appointed investigator will examine and clarify the validity of the accusations, with a focus on determining whether any inmate(s) have received privileges or treatment inconsistent with its policies and standards.
The department said it is committed to upholding fairness and equality in the treatment of all incarcerated individuals, regardless of their financial or social standing.
“Beyond this specific investigation, the appointed investigator will study the standard operating procedures within the facility in order to ensure that they align with the principles of integrity, impartiality, and fairness, that are fundamental to the correctional system.
“Operational practices must be consistently applied across all 243 correctional facilities in the country,” the department said.
BUSINESS MAN DENIED BAIL
In September, Thoshan Panday was arrested for allegedly defrauding the South African Revenue Services (SARS) of R7.3 million.
He is facing 27 counts of fraud, alternatively contraventions of tax legislation which outlines false returns in respect of VAT and Annual Income Tax.
Panday was denied bail by the Durban Magistrate’s Court on the grounds that he is a flight risk and previously interfered with State witnesses as he tried to bribe an investigating officer.
The 52-year-old businessman appealed the decision and the Durban High Court also dismissed his appeal.
In a separate matter, Panday was granted R10 000 bail for allegedly defrauding the South African Police Service (SAPS) by offering accommodation at inflated prices during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Panday and his co-accused family members allegedly organised cover quotes for accommodation for police during the 2020 Soccer World Cup, working in cahoots with Narainpershad and Madhoe, who worked in supply chain management in the office of the KZN SAPS commissioner. They were awarded 166 contracts amounting to R47 million.
Thoshan Panday’s mother, Arevenda Panday; his wife, Privisha Panday, his sister Kajal Ishwarkumar, his brother-in-law Seveesh Maharaj Ishwarkumar and his former personal assistant Tasleem Rahiman were arrested on charges of racketeering, fraud, and money laundering.
DO YOU THINK CERTAIN INMATES ARE RECEIVING SPECIAL TREATMENT IN SA PRISON DUE TO THEIR FINANCIAL OR SOCIAL STANDING?
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