Durban court grants bail to 6 accused of R20m fraud
Six fraud accused are out on bail after they were arrested in connection with a multimillion-rand medical supply fraud and corruption case.
Pragasen Naidoo, his wife Sharon, his sister Debi George, couple Rakesh Maharaj and Ashni Sookhari and Kirsty McEwan were taken into custody on Thursday.
They are accused of defrauding medical supply company Conculens of nearly R20 million.
Conculens provides specialised services to the Department of Health, specifically Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital.
Hawks KZN spokesperson Simphiwe Mhlongo says Naidoo's Yah-Wear Promotions was a service provider to Conculens, while George, McEwan, and Maharaj worked at the medical supply company.
It's alleged the accused plotted to have equipment supplied and inflated the invoices.
"There is more than R19.7 million. The accused connived in a common purpose to defraud a private company.
"The matter was reported at the Cator Manor police station and the Hawks were tasked to investigate that fraud. It worked together with the National Prosecuting Authority.
"Our investigations are prosecution-guided and finally yesterday (Thursday) the accused were brought to court and they were released on bail.
"Their case was postponed to November this year."
The group appeared in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court and were given bail of between R8 000 and R30 000.
