Fraud and corruption accused freed on bail

FRAUD and corruption accused Suman Pandy has been granted bail by a Cape Town court.

The Durban businessman was arrested in Zambia in 2015 for allegedly offering a bribe of more than R100 000 to a Zambian buyer to secure a business deal.

He was granted bail in that case with strict conditions.

On Friday, Panday was granted bail of R250 000 in the Bellville Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, with strict conditions, in a separate matter. He needs to inform the investigating officer of his whereabouts or any intended travel and attach a full itinerary.

Panday is to report every Wednesday to Umhlanga Police Station and inform police of any changes of residential address.

He is also to refrain from contacting State witnesses. His case resumes on June 19. In 2016, Panday’s co-accused in a separate fraud trial, Daniel Poggenpoel, was sentenced to five years behind bars, with a second five-year sentence suspended for five years on condition that he testify against Panday.

As a procurement officer for Lamberts Bay Foods, he purchased plastic packaging from Blakey Plastics, owned by Panday, between 2009 and 2014, receiving bribes totalling R182 000, allegedly paid by Panday.

Poggenpoel had also procured packaging at prices that were R2.6 million in excess of what Lamberts Bay Foods (LBF) would otherwise have paid, and in excess of LBF’s requirements.

Poggenpoel pleaded guilty to 14 counts of corruption in August 2016. – Staff Reporter

IN 2016, PANDAY’S CO-ACCUSED IN A SEPARATE FRAUD TRIAL WAS JAILED FOR FIVE YEARS