GAUTENG—Kesihdeen Muruven, the owner of EThekwini Workshop and Mobile (Pty) Ltd, and his associate Shane Pillay were arrested on charges of fraud and corruption related to fraudulent repairs of school transport buses.

According to South African Police Service, Muruven and Pillay were apprehended at OR-Tambo International Airport after attempting to bribe Wesbank fraud investigators with R150,000 to halt an ongoing investigation. EThekwini Workshop and Mobile, a subcontractor for Wesbank, allegedly billed the Kwazulu Natal Provincial Department of Education R578,000 for repairs on two buses that were never completed. The fraudulent activities came to light after the invoice processed for these repairs was found to be fictitious.

The arrests followed a sting operation where Muruven, flying in from Durban, was caught handing over part of the bribe to investigators at an airport restaurant. Both Muruven and Pillay face additional charges under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) as the investigation continues to uncover the extent of the corruption. They made their initial court appearance at the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court and are scheduled for a bail hearing on July 31, 2024.

Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, the Provincial Head of the Hawks in Gauteng, commended the rapid response of the investigators and emphasized the importance of eradicating corruption to safeguard public trust and promote equitable economic development.