A Pretoria family allegedly defrauded of R600,000 by travel agent Premila Shunmugam has expressed disappointment at her being granted bail of R100,000.

Shunmugam, who runs Silver Touch Events and Travel, appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 23 December, where she was released on bail. She faces more than 20 criminal charges related to fraud, with the total amount allegedly involved estimated at R5 million.

The family, who spoke to SABC News, said they had paid nearly R600,000 for what was meant to be a luxury family holiday in Mauritius, which never materialised. They were set to travel next week with their daughters and their partners.

“It was supposed to be a very special holiday,” said the father, who was not named by the broadcaster. “We were going to celebrate my wife’s 60th, my daughter’s 30th, and our 40th wedding anniversary. Now, we’ll be spending Christmas at home.”

In one part of the interview, the father said they had paid R162,000 for one part of the trip, while extended family contributed the rest, totalling R600,000.

The family is one of at least 50 reportedly affected. Shunmugam allegedly accepted payments for holiday packages to destinations including Mauritius, Dubai and Zanzibar, but failed to make bookings. Many clients say they only realised this when their departure dates loomed and they discovered there were no flights or accommodation reserved.

“I’m very disappointed,” the father said. “She’s not going to be having a good festive season—but neither are we. We were like family.”

Several affected families have expressed concern about whether they will ever recover their money, as the case proceeds through the courts.

IOL News

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