He was accused of sexual harassment by former employee
Representational Image
Niramay Satpute, former vice-president, human resources, WorkStore
Ltd, a multi-national stationery firm, was arrested on Friday by Vanrai
Police in a case of sexual harassment at the workplace.
He was released on bail later. Senior inspector of Vanrai Police
Station Jyotsna Rasam confirmed the news. Last month, a 33-year-old
former senior manager at the company had accused Satpute of sexually
harassing her, and later, not taking cognisance of her complaint about
the toxic work environment.
A complaint against Satpute under IPC section 354D and relevant IT
Act sections was registered at Borivli Police Station, from where it got
transferred to Vanrai police. The woman’s advocate Ajinkya Pokharkar
said, “Satpute had applied for anticipatory bail in Dindoshi Court. As
part of procedure, the police arrested him. Later, the court released
him on a bail of Rs 15,000. We are waiting for the charge sheet to be
filed and shall strategise further action accordingly.”
mid-day tried contacting WorkStore but our calls went unanswered. A
source from the company revealed that an internal inquiry was done,
following which Satpute was asked to leave the company. Speaking on the
matter, the woman said, “I am just happy that he was arrested. This has
been a nightmare. I was too alone, too scared and too little against a
giant organisation. This has reinstated my faith in the judiciary.”
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Senior inspector Jyotsna Rasam confirmed the
development and said senior officials from WorkStore had been called to
the police station for inquiry
Representational picture
Niramay Satpute, HR VP of stationery MNC WorkStore, filed for
anticipatory bail, in the sexual harassment case against him, before the
Dindoshi court yesterday. The court will hear on the application on
Friday and has told the Vanrai police not to arrest him till then.
Senior inspector Jyotsna Rasam confirmed the development and said
senior officials from WorkStore had been called to the police station
for inquiry. A spokesperson for the company said Satpute had been asked
not to come to office till the inquiry was on. “Report of the
third-party committee that was set up to probe the allegation is ready;
we will share it with officials concerned in a day,” added the
spokesperson.
Alleging that company did not act against VP, human resources, woman quits firm and lodges police complaint
Niramay Satpute
A 33-year-old former senior manager of a multinational stationery
company has accused its human resources department’s vice-president of
sexual harassment. The woman, who ran from pillar to post trying to get
senior company officials to give her a hearing, in vain, finally
approached the police.
She has lodged a complaint against the accused under IPC section 354D
and relevant IT Act sections with the Borivli police, who have
transferred the case to the Vanrai police. Senior inspector Jyotsna
Rasam said they are investigating the matter thoroughly.
Narrating her ordeal, the victim said she had first interviewed for
the position of senior manager at WorkStore Ltd in November 2016, and
accused Niramay Satpute had taken the interview. She was not hired
immediately, her CV kept for future vacancies. But Satpute allegedly
initiated a WhatsApp conversation, which mid-day has accessed, with her
in February 2017.
The victim said she didn’t immediately realise what his intentions
were, but when the chats started taking an unpleasant turn, she warned
him to stop. When he didn’t, she stopped responding to his messages in
June 2017. Representational Image Hostile work environment
In December 2017, she got a call from the company for another interview.
This time, the CFO and CEO interviewed her and hired her. She was given
a team of four and asked to report to the CFO. Within three weeks, she
said, she witnessed employees’ “carelessness” towards their work with
data showing many “malpractices”. When she brought it to the CFO’s
notice, she was allegedly warned not to get into such details.
The victim said that when she approached Satpute to report the
matter, he refused to listen to her and called her the problem, which,
she alleged, was a result of his grudge against her. With no option
left, she contacted the CEO, at least five times. The company then asked
her to submit all the evidence against Satpute – the sexual harassment
in WhatsApp chats and his refusal to heed her warnings to stop – in a
sealed envelope and send the same to the HR department of Future Group,
under which the company comes.
She added that by then, her work environment had worsened, and
“unable to take it”, she resigned on April 14. But when she informed
that she would serve 15 days’ notice, she was asked to leave
immediately, on April 18, on grounds of non-performance. Upset over the
added humiliation, she went to the police on April 20. Threat tactics
The victim alleged that on April 21 she was called by the company to
complete her exit formalities and meet HR officials of Future Group, but
instead, she was grilled by two advocates over the police complaint she
had lodged against the accused. She added she is being threatened by
the company, which has caused her mental agony.
She is planning to sue Future Group, and CFO, CEO and HR department of WorkStore.
A spokesperson for WorkStore said, “The group has initiated an
inquiry and appointed an external person for investigating the matter
and submit a report. Action will be taken accordingly.” Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and also a complete guide on Mumbai from food to things to do and events across the city here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates
Worst Crime: Naked woman burnt to death after sexual abuse
Have known Vinod Chalwadi (https://www.facebook.com/vinod.chalwadi) my whole life. He uses his position and money to get his way with unsuspecting women. What works in his favour is his wife came to know of his ways and moved out without even informing. He applied for Restitution of Marriage. During such time, he met my friend’s wife. Convinced her to join him in starting a company and made her his Business partner (http://www.ebt.guru/). My friend was married and had a Daughter of 6 years then. She went on to have two year plus long sexual affair, ignoring her kid and husband. This man Vinod in the photo is having an affair with my friend’s wife, who happens to be 12 years senior to him. She have been working with him for more than a year. They have been finding excuses to go on business trips with her. From the beginning and during those trips, he will try to win her sympathy by mentioning how his ex wife divorced him and not wanting to meet him. But in actual fact which I learned after some digging, he abandoned his sick wife, refused to pay maintenance order by court. He also left the job in a travel company in disgrace after caught swindling money from the company. He is in the senior management and yet he slept around with another mans wife because it is FREE. For those that have a wife that worked with him before, sorry mate your wife has been used. This man is nothing but a scumbag. Highly educated but with no shame. The Husband of my friend came to know of this and confronted them. They agreed to the affair. She and her husband began working on their marriage. But this A%# @*le did not allow her to do so, instead chased her. During the course of the affair he withdrew the Restitution of Marriage with his wife and applied for a exparte divorce. They continued their affair behind her husbands back. As soon as his divorce was granted as his wife did not appear, my friend’s wife has filed for divorce in order to move and marry this guy. Her husband who had trusted him as a freind and his wife, now is broken depressed and is contesting it based on the adultery committed. They had reordered their activity in hotel and put it on their laptop which was found by the husband. Now this guy Vinod is chasing other girls as my friend is going to get messed up in life as her divorce will be messy and a long one. He is also looking out for bride for marriage(http://www.simplymarry.com/matrimonial/groom/SMM2197747/Hindu/Scheduled) and has been in close chat with another. Also he is 12 years younger to my friend’s wife. He has ruined more relationships and has no conscience. He ruined my best friends marriage and doesn’t think twice about it. Nice house for a Home Wrecker.
Ntokozo Myles Ndlovu allegedly lured unsuspecting investors to pay R10,000 to R500,000 with the promise of high commissions‚ but he failed to honour his part of the deal. File photo. Image: Gallo Images/Thinkstock
A man has appeared in the Johannesburg Commercial Crimes Court for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting investors of R5 million.
Ntokozo Myles Ndlovu is alleged to have defrauded people who invested in his company between 2010 and 2015.
“Ndlovu was running an investment scheme… through the DMD Capital PTY LTD and Profit Trading‚ the licenses thereof were since revoked and withdrawn by the Financial Services Board‚” said Hawks spokesperson Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu.
Ndlovu allegedly lured unsuspecting investors to pay R10,000 to R500,000 with the promise of high commissions‚ but he failed to honour his part of the deal‚ said Mulamu.
“The matter was referred to the Hawks who have been on his trail since the beginning of this year.
“On Thursday‚ Ndlovu was arrested at a posh hotel in Sandton following an entrapment operation by Hawks and some of his clients who were pretending to be potential investors.”
Ndlovu is due back in court on June 29 for a formal bail application.
Provincial Hawks boss Major General Prince Mokotedi applauded members' tireless efforts which eventually led to the arrest of the suspect.
The Hawks are appealing to anyone who has information regarding Ndlovu's alleged fraudulent activities to contact Captain Zenzele Sithole on 082 319 9944 and Lieutenant Colonel Frank Mlambo on 071 481 3695. - TimesLIVE
Media Statement from Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) South African Police Service
The Johannesburg Specialized Commercial Crimes Court had on Monday, 19 June 2017 denied Ntokozo Myles Ndlovu bail on his R5 million fraud investment scam allegations.
Ndlovu (34) was running an investment scheme between 2010 and 2017 through the DMD Capital PTY LTD and Profit Trading; the licenses thereof were since revoked and withdrawn by the Financial Services Board.
He allegedly lured unsuspecting investors to pay R10 000 to R500 000 with the promise of high commissions. Ndlovu failed to honour his part of the deal. Investors became suspicious when he cut all communication channels, before absconding with their money. The matter was referred to the Hawks who have been on his trail since the beginning of this year.
On Thursday last week, Ndlovu was arrested at a posh hotel in Sandton following an entrapment operation by Hawks and some of his clients who were pretending to be potential investors. Ndlovu is remanded in custody after a brief appearance on yesterday morning, facing charges of fraud. His case was postponed to 29 June 2017 where he will make a formal bail application.
Provincial Head for Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Prince Mokotedi applauded members' tireless efforts which eventually led to the arrest of the suspect.
"We will leave no stone unturned on this matter. We have been receiving countless messages from victims all over the country and we believe this a just tip of the iceberg. With more people coming forward we believe the money victims invested is expected to swell to millions. Investigations are still continuing and we want to call upon ne who might have fallen victim of such crime to come forward,” said Mokotedi.
Meanwhile, anyone with information regarding Ndlovu’s alleged deception can contact the investigating officers Captain Zenzele Sithole on 082 319 9944 and Lieutenant Colonel Frank Mlambo on 071 481 3695.
In August 2015, Angel Mkhize* had resigned from her job and withdrawn her R750 000 pension fund. She was looking for somewhere to invest her cash. She watched an interview on SABC with a young up-and-coming entrepreneur who claimed to have pioneered a new type of software that “automated” forex trading.
“Unlike stocks, currencies can’t be manipulated,” said Myles Ndlovu. “What we’ve done is develop a system which is a forex trading robot. This automates everything.” He claimed that his innovation allowed investors to protect their capital while making tidy profits.
Mkhize checked whether Ndlovu’s company, Profit Trading, was registered with the Financial Services Board. Discovering that it was, she decided to take the leap and invested all of her savings with Ndlovu.
She was told to expect annual returns of between 7% and 14%. She would need to give 21 days’ notice and then could withdraw her capital and interest at any time.
“It was about a year ago that I asked for my interest,” said Mkhize.
After the company was not forthcoming with the requested payment, “I called them and they said: ‘No, there’s been delays.’ I said: ‘What kind of delays?’ They said: ‘The bank is dealing with high volumes of clients.’ ”
After a few months of this treatment, Mkhize decided to exit the scheme. “I told them I want all of my capital and my profits,” she said.
The company promised her it would pay out by December 1 but seven months later, she says she hasn’t received a cent.
Meanwhile, she can no longer pay for the medication required for her hypertension. “My medical aid has been cancelled and I can’t pay for my chronic illness. There are debts I need to pay. I need the money now, now, now.”
Ndlovu was arrested at a swanky Sandton hotel last month. He recently appeared in Johannesburg’s commercial crimes court for allegedly swindling investors out of an estimated R5‑million between 2010 and 2015, although some believe the amount to be much higher.
The Financial Services Board confirmed to the Mail & Guardian that Profit Trading’s licence had been withdrawn for “no longer meeting the fit and proper requirements”.
A few years after lending him legitimacy by introducing his product to the public, media houses are now sharing the story of his deception and fall from grace.
For Mkhize it’s too late: there’s a long, costly battle ahead before she sees her money again, if ever.
Mkhize is one of thousands of South Africans who are caught up in a plague of financial scams sweeping the country.
Trevor Hattingh, the spokesperson for the National Consumer Commission, said: “The primary objective of these schemes is to take money from someone and not guarantee any value or any return.”
Some are sold as get-rich-quick schemes, offering returns of more than 20% interest a year. Others —like Profit Trading is alleged to be — are classic Ponzi schemes, which take money from one investor to pay out another. They work by paying out the early investors with great sums of cash, thereby earning the trust of the public, but eventually bottom out as their popularity dwindles, leaving members unpaid.
The Reserve Bank has a mandate to investigate schemes that conduct “illegal deposit-taking”. Between January 2012 and December 2016, the Reserve Bank’s banking supervision department investigated 63 cases of illegal deposit-taking schemes. Last year, eight new schemes were investigated and six investigations were finalised, according to the department’s annual report.
More than 5 000 suspected financial scam schemes have been reported to the Reserve Bank over the past five years. But many others fall between the cracks.
Ponzi schemes often “don’t have directors and are not registered companies”, said Hattingh.
“The Consumer Protection Act, which the National Consumer Commission enforces, regulates legitimate businesses. The pyramid schemes are never even registered as legitimate.” For that reason many of these schemes are difficult to prosecute — and it’s difficult to take legal recourse if things go belly-up.
“An apparent willingness of the general public to participate in these schemes makes it relatively easy for perpetrators to start up new schemes as soon as an older scheme is investigated, closed or reported,” the Reserve Bank’s Jabulani Sikhakhane told the M&G.
But it’s important to know that any participation in these schemes is illegal (see “There are different ways to get duped”). So, it’s worth identifying how to spot an unlawful get-rich-quick programme.
The Reserve Bank launched a three-year awareness campaign about these issues in September. The bank’s governor, Lesetja Kganyago, said the campaign, titled Easy Come, Easy Go, draws on the adage that “if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is”.
The Reserve Bank recommends that consumers follow a three-step process when evaluating potential investment opportunities:
Stop for a moment and ask yourself some basic questions such as, has someone offered you “guaranteed” profits for little or no financial risk? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Check to see whether you are being targeted and avoid becoming a victim. For instance, one of the biggest telltale signs of a scam is that the offer is completely unsolicited.
Report it. Spread the word and help others to stay vigilant. If you’re a victim of such a scheme, open a case with the police.
Hattingh warned that several Ponzi schemes masquerade as stokvels. Stokvels are made up of social groups pooling their money, whereas Ponzi schemes are often run by “nameless, faceless individuals on the internet who are difficult to track down”.
To legitimise their offering, some schemes rely heavily on peer testimonials. Visit the South Africa MMM website, one of the largest alleged Ponzi schemes in the country, and you’ll find 50 videos recorded by happy users on its landing page.
“They put out these videos to further manipulate people,” said Hattingh. “But they’re playing with people’s minds because the individual that this appeals to doesn’t think to ask: Where’s the head office; where’s my documentation; where is the company registered?” * Not her real name There are different ways to get duped
According to the Consumer Protection Act, it’s illegal to join, enter, participate in or promote any of the following schemes. If you fall prey to a scheme and want to press charges, you will need to open a case with the police. Multiplication scheme: When a person offers, promises or guarantees to any participant an effective annual interest rate that is at least 20% above the repo rate determined by the South African Reserve Bank as at the date of investment or the commencement of participation. Pyramid scheme: Where participants in the scheme receive compensation derived primarily from recruiting others as participants, rather than from the sale of any goods or services. But do not confuse this with a network marketing scheme, which simply involves growing your wealth by amassing a network of users willing to buy a product (think Amway and Forever Living products, among others). Chain letter scheme: Where a new member makes a payment or donation and then moves up the “ranks” of the scheme, receiving payments or donations as they progress up the hierarchy, and are eventually removed from the list when reaching a certain point. These definitions have been slightly simplified. To read the full definitions, see section 43 of the Consumer Protection Act of 2008. The Banks Act prohibits illegal so-called banking activities or illegal deposit-taking. Any entity that participates in this is liable for investigation by the South African Reserve Bank. To find out more about this, visit easycomeeasygo.co.za
Thalia Holmes
Thalia is a freelance business reporter for the Mail & Guardian. She grew up in Swaziland and lived in the US before returning to South Africa.She got a cum laude degree in marketing and followed it with another in English literature and psychology before further confusing things by becoming a black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) consultant.After spending five years hearing the surprised exclamation, "But you're white!", she decided to pursue her latent passion for journalism, and joined the M&G in 2012. The next year, she won the Brandhouse Journalist of the Year Award, the Brandhouse Best Online Award and was chosen as one of five finalists from Africa for the German Media Development Award. In 2014, she and a colleague won the Standard Bank Sivukile Multimedia Award. She now writes and edits for various publications, but her heart still belongs to the M&G. Read more from Thalia Holmes
