A 59-year-old advocate from Westville, Durban, has been arrested and charged with allegedly defrauding a client of R25 million under the guise of bribing prosecutors. Shunmugam “Shan” Govender was granted R20,000 bail when he appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
According to state prosecutor Calvin Govender, the alleged fraud occurred in July 2025, when Shunmugam claimed to have communicated with senior public prosecutors Val Melis and Sunil Prithipaul regarding a criminal prosecution. He allegedly induced Ronald Govender, whose family owns a liquor retail and distribution business, to pay R25 million in cash over a period of time.
Alleged Extortion and Misrepresentation
However, the State alleges that Shunmugam did not discuss any case with the prosecutors and that the money was for his personal benefit. He is also alleged to have inspired fear in Ronald by influencing him or other family members to pay the R25 million, which was given in boxes and shopping bags at the Durban court.
Shunmugam knew at any given time that the money was for himself but misrepresented that it was for prosecutors, according to the State. The advocate was approached by five male police officers dressed in civilian clothes while closing his business on Friday at 5pm and was arrested on the fraud and extortion charges.
Arrest and Bail
Shunmugam said in his bail affidavit that he was advised by the officers that they were part of a specialised task team and that they had instructions to transport him to the Durban Central police station under arrest and detain him. He was granted bail and his case will continue in the Durban Magistrate’s Court.
The South African Police Service has been working to combat corruption and fraud in the country. According to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, fraud and corruption are serious crimes that can have severe consequences for individuals and businesses.
- Fraud and corruption can result in significant financial losses for individuals and businesses.
- They can also damage the reputation of individuals and businesses and erode trust in institutions.
- It is essential to report any suspected fraud or corruption to the authorities to prevent further harm.
