Verulam, South Africa — A 42-year-old woman from Durban, Shivani Pillay, has been released on bail following allegations that she staged her own hijacking. Pillay, along with a 55-year-old man identified as Mr. Bharath, appeared in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, facing charges of defeating the ends of justice.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, confirmed that both Pillay and Bharath were granted bail, set at R1,500 each. The court has adjourned the matter to October 10, 2024, for further investigation.
The case has attracted widespread attention after a missing persons alert was circulated on social media platforms on Thursday, August 22, 2024, reporting Pillay’s alleged hijacking. According to the initial reports, Pillay had been hijacked in Verulam and was reportedly locked in the boot of her car, from where she managed to send two voice notes to her husband.
However, the narrative took a turn when KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police spokesperson Robert Nethsuinda revealed that Pillay turned herself in to authorities on Saturday, August 24, 2024, in Newcastle.
“Intelligence uncovered that prior to her imaginary hijacking and kidnapping, the woman had spent some time at a casino,” Nethsuinda said.
Further investigations led the police to trace Pillay to an overnight accommodation in Newcastle. As law enforcement closed in on her, Pillay presented herself at the Newcastle police station, claiming her kidnappers had dropped her on the side of the road.
The 55-year-old man, Bharath, was also arrested for his alleged involvement in orchestrating the fake kidnapping. He is accused of assisting Pillay in disposing of her vehicle after spending the night with her.
As the investigation continues, the case has raised significant questions about the motives behind the alleged staging and the potential consequences for those involved.
The next court hearing is scheduled for October 10, 2024.