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A Durban-based CEO and a stock clerk, who are accused of trying to bribe a chicken farm employee with R60,000 to influence a tender, will apply for bail in the Kempton Park Regional Court on Wednesday.
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit in Pretoria apprehended Suman Panday, 42, CEO of Blackie Plastics, and Madikana Gerald Mapokgola, 31, a stock clerk at Day Break Farm in Centurion, during an operation at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park on Friday.
According to Hawks spokesperson Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu, the pair allegedly approached an employee from an Olifantsfontein chicken farm to influence the awarding of a tender to Blackie Plastics for the supply of chicken plastic wraps.
They allegedly offered the employee a once-off R60,000 gratification and a monthly allowance.
But the employee reported the matter to the Hawks and they were arrested after allegedly handing over the R60,000 at a restaurant.
Both face fraud and corruption charges.
Editor’s note, 16 October 2020: Follow the publication of this article the following statement was issued on behalf of Suman Panday:
An inaccurate report regarding the arrest and the denial of bail of Mr. Suman Panday, were recently published by the South Africa Police Services (SAPS) and consequently some media.
It has been confirmed by Mr. Suman Panday’s legal representative, that he was arrested on Friday 9th October and an application for bail was part heard on Monday the 12th October 2020. The bail hearing was then postponed until Wednesday the 14th October 2020, with bail being granted on the 15th October 2020.
Mr. Suman Panday has denied all the allegations against him and has confirmed that he will plead not guilty at trial. “I am confident that the charges that have been brought against me will be found to be without merit and that I will be acquitted in due course,” says Suman Panday.
Mr. Suman Panday is committed to participate in the legal process and eagerly awaits his day in court. “I have no convictions and I look forward to the opportunity to restore the good name of both myself and my company,” comments Suman Panday, “I trust that the SAPS will not attempt a trial by media by disseminating inaccurate information.”
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