Bail for school CFO, husband
A FAMILY of four have been implicated in defrauding the Braamfontein-based Star Schools of over R12.3 million.
They include Priscilla Ramlakan, 51; her husband, Yasheen Ramlakan, 42; and two family members.
It is alleged that from 2019 to 2021, Priscilla, as chief financial officer (CFO) of Star Schools, fraudulently transferred money from the entity’s bank account into her own.
“She would subsequently transfer to her husband’s as well as their children's bank accounts. This was done under the guise of paying taxes to the South African Revenue Service (Sars). Other payments were referenced under school expenses,” said Gauteng Hawks spokesperson, Captain Lloyd Ramovha.
“The chief executive officer of the Star Schools matric rewrite programme appointed auditors. The probe uncovered fraudulent activities implicating the CFO. The case was registered at Hillbrow police station in October 2022. The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Investigation revealed the flow of funds to close family members.
“The docket was referred to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), for a decision that has resulted in the warrants of arrest being executed.”
Priscilla was arrested early in April, followed shortly by Seheshan Ugan Pillay, 21, and then Yasheen. They are expected to appear in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court next month.
Yasheen and Pillay were granted bail of R10 000 each. Priscilla was released on R100 000 bail. The outstanding implicated person (daughter) is said to be overseas.
Meanwhile, Thoumaneey Chetty has been sentenced by the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court for contravening the provisions of the Counterfeit Goods Act.
According to a statement by Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi, the Hawks spokesperson in Mpumalanga, “a searchand-seizure operation was conducted on July 14, 2022, by the Hawks Middelburg-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation together with members of Adams and Adams counterfeit brand holders at Emalahleni Witbank.
“During the search, 13 drums of Fusch petroleum counterfeit oil, one drum of Castrol counterfeit oil and one drum of Engen counterfeit oil were seized. The drums were taken for analysis by the brand holders.”
The 46-year-old appeared in court several times facing charges of contravention of the Counterfeit Goods Act.
Last week, Chetty was found guilty and sentenced.
On count 1, dealing in counterfeit goods, Chetty was sentenced to a R67 000 fine or three years’ imprisonment wholly suspended for five years.
On count 2, possession of counterfeit goods, she was sentenced to a R3 000 fine or three years’ imprisonment.
Sekgotodi said all the seized goods would be handed to the intellectual property owners or brand holders.