Whistleblower exposes SAPS for employing the family of a well-known drug lord. R150,000 as salary

Panganathan “Timmie” Marimuthu, a convicted drug dealer, and his family continue to receive salaries from the police, potentially earning over R150,000 per month, despite their controversial appointment as crime intelligence “agents” being exposed almost two years ago. The Marimuthu family, known for their ownership of multiple businesses in Durban, were appointed by the embattled crime intelligence chief financial officer, Solly Lazarus, who is facing charges of fraud and theft related to the misappropriation of a R250 million secret fund.

Investigation by the Sunday Tribune has uncovered that Marimuthu’s wife, Neermala Moodley, daughter Shantal Redhi, and son-in-law Dennis Redhi, still hold high-ranking positions in the police force and receive monthly salaries. Moodley holds the rank of colonel, while her daughter is a captain, and her son-in-law is a lieutenant-colonel. Marimuthu’s rank could not be verified at the time of reporting. Captains receive approximately R240,000 per year, while colonels earn R480,000.

Independent sources with access to the police administration system confirmed that the Marimuthu family members are listed in the database containing the names, ranks, and employment histories of active police officers. The family’s fraudulent appointments as crime intelligence “agents” were initially exposed in late 2011 during a Hawks investigation into the questionable appointments and misuse of the secret slush fund worth R250 million. The misuse of the fund resulted in the suspension of crime intelligence head Richard Mdluli and Lazarus.

Lazarus and crime intelligence’s Colonel Hein Barnard were initially charged with fraud amounting to R1.1 million but the National Prosecuting Authority reduced the charges to R370,000. They are scheduled to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court this month. In April last year, it was reported that Marimuthu received over R300,000 per month from the fund, including a salary of R50,000 and additional payments for rented properties used as safe houses.

The continued employment of the Marimuthu family, who lack police training and experience, has drawn criticism for being an abuse of power. Mzansi, what are your thoughts concerning this development? Tell us what you think about this and don’t forget to like, comment and share this article let’s get more reactions on this topic.