Alleged holiday scammer to learn bail fate next week

Alleged vacation swindler, Premila Shunmugam, will find out next week whether she will be granted bail.

The 57-year-old woman is accused of defrauding clients since 2006, with the most recent case involving more than R5 million under the pretense of operating a travel agency, Silver Touch Events and Travel.

Prosecutor Chris Maruma told the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court that the evidence against Shunmugam is overwhelming, suggesting she remain in custody at least until her trial concludes.

In addition to the 37 fraud charges she currently faces, a further 24 cases have been registered against her.

She allegedly demanded large upfront payments for overseas trips that were never booked and refused refunds, repeatedly offering excuses or remaining unreachable when questioned.

Shunmugam’s lawyer, Advocate M. Erasmus, argued that she should be presumed innocent, noting that none of the charges have been proven. Shunmugam claims she is not a flight risk and poses no threat to society.

“I am not aware who the witnesses of the state are and whether they made statements or a due to testify in the matter. To ensure that I do not communicate with any of the witnesses, a list containing their names should be made available to me by the state. I respectfully submit that there is no likelihood that I, if released on bail, will attempt to influence or intimidated state witnesses and/or that I will destroy evidence,” Advocate Erasmus read from Shunmugam’s affidavit.

Shunmugam says she lives with her husband, a pensioner, and their children, who depend on her financially, and adds that she is prepared to pay R25,000 bail while awaiting trial on the multiple fraud charges.

Several alleged victims have come forward. Namshaa Rama says she and three other families lost over R600,000 after booking a trip to Mauritius through Silver Touch, intended to celebrate milestones such as a 60th birthday, a 40th wedding anniversary, two 30th birthdays, a gender reveal, and a baby’s first birthday.

She adds that, although they did not know Shunmugam personally, they trusted her after she allegedly arranged trips for other clients to Turkey and Dubai.

The victims hope Shunmugam, remains behind bars, describing her as heartless for allegedly targeting senior citizens and terminally ill people.

One victim even called her the “Grinch” who ruined their Christmas.

Karen Birkhaltz, who has known Shunmugam for over a decade and previously worked with her before the launch of Silver Touch Events and Travel, said the worst part of the alleged scam was that it came from a friend.

She lost about R54,000 on return airfares and full-board travel to Mauritius.

“My husband turned 65 in November. This was going to be our little retirement holiday, which is not happening. Awful!” Birkhaltz said.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao