Controversial aquaintance of police minister linked to Hawks sex trafficking probe
Durban businessman Timmy Marimuthu is a person of interest in a Hawks sex trafficking investigation.
Picture: Pixabay.com
Lester Kiewit speaks to TimesLive investigative journalist Tankiso Makhetha, about a joint probe with AmaBhungane, which draws links between Police Minister Cele, a controversial Durban businessman and informant, and a Hawks investigation into a sex trafficking case.
A former Durban drug dealer, once recruited into SAPS crime intelligence and described as a 'confidant' to Police Minister Bheki Cele has been connected with a Hawks sex trafficking investigation.
A joint investigation by TimesLive and the amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism has revealed that Panganathan “Timmy” Marimuthu was fingered in the probe back in 2022.
TimesLive investigative journalist Tankiso Makhetha, says Marimuthu is a very controversial character:
"He is a businessman whose alleged to have dealt in corrupt activities throughout his career."
Tankiso Makhetha, Investigative journalist - TimesLive
"He's a former police officer who peddled drugs and was arrested and convicted and sentenced for his actions, but didn't spend a day in jail."
Tankiso Makhetha, Investigative journalist - TimesLive
Both he and members of his family have previously been hired as crime intelligence operatives says Maketha.
"[The Marimuthu family] have been paid as police officers over the last ten years or so, despite the whistle being blown on that as well" Tankiso Makhetha, Investigative journalist" - TimesLive
In March 2022 authorities raided a multi-storey Durban North mansion resulting in the rescue of five women from Johannesburg after allegedly being trafficked from their homes Eldorado Park homes to Durban.
And the relationship between the businessman and the police minister?
That dates back to Cele's "KZN days" explains Maketha:
"He often mingles with high ranking politicians from KZN...he and Bheki Cele go way back"
Tankiso Makhetha, Investigative journalist - TimesLive
"The world of informants is quite murky, especially in connection with crime intelligence"
Tankiso Makhetha, Investigative journalist - TimesLive
Questions sent by TimesLive and amaBhungane to the police minister about his relationship with Marimuthu and the lack of progress in the Hawk's investigation received the following response by Cele’s spokesperson, Lirandzu Themba:
“All of the above questions have got nothing to do with Minister Cele both in his personal or work capacity. All operational questions must be directed to SAPS and the persons of interest.”
Marimuthu is also believed to owe SARS in excess of R400-million.