Durban fraud magnate gets jail term (video)

A Durban man posing as a property developer has been sentenced to a jail term on 1 December 2022. Guilty for cheating his clients, Rodney Pillay, 56, was found guilty of six counts of fraud from November 2008 to January 2011. Courts in Durban proved that Pillay was acting as a property developer using the company name: Property Image, and lying.

People who were duped by Pillay welcomed the sentence and hoped he could spend more time inside.

Property investments cash flow fraud

Pillay used to smooth-talk people into believing cash injections could earn them more money. With dollar signs in their eyes, Pillay would get his investors to trust him. The investors would believe they would get rich quick and transfer money into Pillay’s bank account. He would use the investment money for himself.

Pillay led a lavish, charmed life. Ultimately, the courts proved that Pillay never paid a cent to his clients.

Investors run to police for help

After realising they would not be getting any money or property from Pillay, his clients complained to the police. Many people went to different police stations to lodge their own cases against him. After too many people lodged complaints, the Hawks stepped in with the Durban Serious Corruption Investigation unit. 

Pillay was located, arrested and charged for fraud and the Contravention of the Banks Act. After his arrest Pillay appeared in the commercial crimes court in Durban to plead his case and was convicted. 

A commercial crimes court judge ordered Pillay remain behind bars for seven years.

It won’t be long to find out if Pillay learnt his lesson: Two years of this sentence for contravening the Banks Act was wholly suspended.