Rugnaths sues former manageress for R23-million
The owners of the Inn Town Lodge - which operated as a brothel in the Durban's Point area - are now suing their former lodge manageress for over R23-million, after a court heard she had used money from the business for her personal expenses.
Veena Budhram - who turned state witness - had been charged for human trafficking, racketeering and money laundering along with lodge owners - Doctor Genchen Rugnath and his wife, Ravina.
Three other co-accused Sandile Zweni, Nonduzo Dlamini and Bhabha Dubazini were sentenced in the Durban Regional Court yesterday after being found guilty on additional charges including , rape and sexual exploitation of a child and assault.
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The couple's attorney, Anand Nepaul, says during cross examination, Budhram said she had taken money from the lodge for over a decade - news of which he says left his clients speechless.
"They were shocked. They were appalled. I personally was rather irate at hearing such arrogance from a witness. I think it's quite telling for an employee to look at an employer and tell an employer 'well I've been stealing from you for the last ten to 12 years, and I stole on an average about R50 000 every fortnight from you - under your nose, which you didn't know about," he said.