Family's bid for leniency fails as judge cites 'greed' in fraud conviction

THE Pietermaritzburg High Court has dismissed an appeal for leniency from four family members convicted of fraud and money laundering, upholding their prison sentences ranging from 4 to 11 years.

- NADIA KHAN

Acting Judge Naidoo ruled the family showed no true remorse and were “motivated by greed” in their scheme to defraud a bank

The court upheld the sentences imposed on Fathima Kudoos, Fadeela Kudoos, Tasniem Bibi Mukharib and Zaine Kudoos in the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Durban.

According to the judgment, Fathima was convicted of one count of fraud and 10 counts of money laundering in contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (Poca) and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. Fadeela was convicted of two counts of fraud, 15 counts of money laundering and contravention of the Poca, and sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment.

Tasniem was convicted of four counts of money laundering and contravention of the Poca, and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment while Zaine, who was convicted of one count of money laundering and contravention of the Poca, was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.

According to the court papers, Fathima and Fadeela had applied for a loan from the complainant, a bank, purportedly to finance a piece of equipment.