Durban - The grandson of late Minority Front leader Amichand Rajbansi has landed in hot water again, this time for allegedly duping a “family friend” of R100 000 in an investment scam.
Dressed in a navy golf shirt and black jeans, a confident looking Avineshsing Rajbansi appeared in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Monday on a charge of fraud.
The 27-year-old, who is apparently battling a cocaine and gambling addiction, was released on R10 000 bail and ordered to report to the Hillcrest SAPS every Monday and Friday until his next court appearance in June.
Accompanying him was his mother, businesswoman Vimlesh Rajbansi and uncle Vimal Rajbansi, who is himself standing trial for fraud in the same court on an unrelated matter which has been adjourned until next month.
Avineshsing was arrested at a rehabilitation centre in Assagay last week and detained at the Richards Bay SAPS holding cells.
According to the charge sheet he is alleged to have conned a Dr ZM Bikitsha into investing R100000 into the “Perez Membership Club” in 2015, citing that the investment would attract interest and that the capital would remain guaranteed.
The funds were allegedly not invested.
In a submission to the court, Avineshsing’s attorney, Owen Subban, said his client had no previous convictions, his other fraud matter had been withdrawn and that he was not a flight risk.
In 2015 Avineshsing was arrested and charged for allegedly tendering a fraudulent document.
The charge was later withdrawn.
In a letter submitted by the director of the rehab centre to the court, it is stated that Avineshsing admitted to having a cocaine and gambling addiction.
He had completed a three-week detox programme and participated in a month-long life skills programme before completing an advanced programme in February.
Avineshsing secured a job position as a sales agent for a cellular network company in March.
The letter further reads: “When the police officer made contact with me, I immediately informed him (Avineshsing) that there is a case opened against him. I informed him that he might be arrested.
He had plenty of opportunity to runaway whilst at work; however, he did not. He wants to continue to work so he can earn money to pay himself and pay the people he owes...”
Prosecutor Renai Ramouthar said Avineshsing’s passport had expired and he could not flee the country.
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