Bail for fraud suspects

SIX people, including two accountants, were granted bail totalling R60 000 at the Durban Magistrate’s Court last week.

The six, who were arrested for alleged tax evasion amounting to R30 million, handed themselves over to police on the morning of their appearance.

Aslam Cassim Vorajee, 51, his wife Naseema Vorajee, 49, Arshad Vorajee, 47, his wife Ayesha Abdool Huk Vorajee, 47, and accountants Mohamed Shabir Ismail, 50, and Shoukath Essop Ally, 61, are facing charges of fraud, theft and money laundering.

Ismail has eight similar cases pending against him.

In August, the Daily News reported that Ismail entered into a scheme with Overport businessman Naushaad Hamid and a Mr Lakan. They allegedly defrauded Sars of R3m.

A month later, it was reported that Ismail was alleged to have used details of several people, including his wife and brother-in-law, to siphon over R20m from Sars. He has until 2021 to repay the funds.

The six stand accused of creating four false companies – S&A Commodities CC, VM Apparel CC, Imvusa Trading 173 CC and Labbaik Trading CC – and laundering R30m between 2012 and 2015.

Aslam Cassim Vorajee and Mohamed Shabir Ismail were granted R20 000 bail. The rest were released on R5 000 bail.

The case continues next month.