A prominent Durban advocate, has been arrested for allegedly defrauding a client of R25 million, under the guise of bribing prosecutors.
Shunmugam “Shan” Govender, 59, of Westville, was arrested and charged after he allegedly defrauded Ronald Govender, whose family owns a liquor retail and distribution business, under the pretense of assisting them in avoiding a criminal prosecution.
On Monday, he appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court and was granted R20, 000 bail.
State prosecutor, Calvin Govender, said in respect of the fraud count, it was alleged that during July 2025, Shunmugam claimed to have communicated with senior public prosecutors Val Melis, and Sunil Prithipaul regarding a criminal prosecution, and induced Ronald to pay R25 million, which was paid in cash over a period of time.
