Pastor of popular church arrested in corruption scandal
Their arrest comes after an investigation into fraudulent activities involving Muruven’s company, a sub-contractor for Wesbank, tasked with repairing scholar transport buses for the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department of Education.
The arrest of two men in Gauteng has sent shockwaves through the Overport community after it emerged that a respected leader of a popular local church, was one of the individuals apprehended for an alleged audacious attempt to bribe investigators with R150, 000 in a bid to derail a high-profile fraud and corruption case.
Pastor Shane Pillay (54), a revered figure at Concurring Through Prayer Ministries International (CTPMI), and his associate, Kesihdeen Muruven (59), were nabbed by the Hawks at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, and reappeared in court on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, for their official bail application.
Their arrest comes after an investigation into fraudulent activities involving Muruven’s company, a sub-contractor for Wesbank, tasked with repairing scholar transport buses for the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department of Education. It is alleged that Muruven’s workshop charged R578, 000 for repairs on two buses, claimed to have been conducted on June 21, 2024, but which never actually took place.
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The invoice was processed and paid by Wesbank on June 28, 2024, raising suspicions of fraud. According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), the fraud allegations came to light when Wesbank investigators discovered the irregularities. In response, Muruven reportedly offered R150, 000 to the investigators to halt their probe into the matter.
The Hawks, in collaboration with Wesbank investigators, arranged a sting operation at OR Tambo International Airport, where Muruven and Pst Pillay were allegedly caught attempting to deliver R110, 000 in cash as a bribe. Both Muruven and Pillay have been charged with fraud and corruption, with potential additional charges under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) looming.
They appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates Court, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, where the case was adjourned until July 31, 2024, pending a bail application. The arrest of Pst Pillay has sent shockwaves through the Overport community, where he is known for his leadership at CTPMI.
A statement purportedly from the church’s board of directors addressed to church leaders acknowledged the incident and expressed support for Pillay and his family during this challenging time.
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“It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of an unfortunate incident involving Shane Pillay. Shane was recently taken into custody for a misdemeanour, and this matter has made its way onto social media. We pray for strength, peace, and wisdom for him and his family as they navigate the court case ahead. Your understanding, compassion, and prayers are greatly appreciated,” the statement indicated.
Maj Gen Ebrahim Kadwa, the provincial head of the Hawks in Gauteng, praised the swift action of the investigators involved in the case. He emphasised the commitment of law enforcement to combat corruption in both public institutions and private entities. “We will not allow corruption to take place on our watch. The manifestation of corruption erodes trust, weakens democracy, hampers economic development, and exacerbates inequality, poverty, and social division. The funds unduly gained in this case could have been used to address some of these challenges faced by our country,” said Maj Gen Kadwa.
