Department of Corrections commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale has appointed a senior official to investigate allegations that wealthy inmates, including businessman Thoshan Panday, received special treatment.

As first reported Mail and ParentWealthy inmates at KZN reformatories are alleged to be bribing prison guards for “hospital holidays”.

DOES THOSHAN PANDAY RECEIVE SPECIAL TREATMENT?

The Department of Corrections said in a statement that the appointed investigator will review and clarify the validity of the charges, focusing on determining whether any inmates received privileges or treatment contrary to its policies and standards.

The department said it is committed to promoting justice and equality in the treatment of all incarcerated individuals, regardless of their financial or social situation.

“Beyond this specific investigation, the appointed investigator will review standard operating procedures within the facility to ensure that they comply with the principles of honesty, impartiality and fairness that are fundamental to the criminal system.

“Operational practices need to be applied consistently across all 243 correctional facilities in the country,” the ministry said.

BUSINESSMAN refused to be released on bail

In September, Thoshan Panday was arrested for allegedly defrauding the South African Revenue Service (SARS) of R7.3 million.

He faces 27 counts of fraud, along with breaches of tax legislation outlining false returns in relation to VAT and Annual Income Tax.

Panday was refused bail by the Durban Magistrates Court on the grounds that he was a flight risk and had previously interfered with State witnesses while trying to bribe an investigating officer.

The 52-year-old businessman appealed the decision and the Durban High Court rejected his appeal.

In a separate incident, Panday was allegedly granted bail of R10,000. Defrauding the South African Police Service (SAPS) By offering accommodation at inflated prices during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Panday and his accomplice family members are alleged to have arranged security offers for police accommodation during the 2020 Football World Cup, working in partnership with Narainpershad and Madhoe, who worked in supply chain management at the KZN SAPS commissioner’s office. They were awarded 166 contracts worth R47 million.

Thoshan Panday’s mother Arevenda Panday; His wife Privisha Panday, sister Kajal Ishwarkumar, brother-in-law Seveesh Maharaj Ishwarkumar and former personal assistant Tasleem Rahiman were arrested on charges of extortion, fraud and money laundering.

DO YOU THINK SOME PRISONERS IN SA PRISON RECEIVE SPECIAL TREATMENT DUE TO THEIR FINANCIAL OR SOCIAL SITUATION?

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