Mahatma Gandhi’s great-grandaughter sentenced to 7 years in jail in South Africa: Here’s why

Durban’s court sentenced Mahatma Gandhi’s great-granddaughter Ashish Lata Ramgobin to seven years of prison. Ramgobin is now behind bars for her role in a six million rand forgery and fraud case.

Ramgobind is the founder and executive director of participative development at the International Center for Non-Violence, an NGO. Also, she calls herself an activist who focuses on societal, environmental, and political interests. Moreover, she is the daughter of Ela Gandhi and Mewa Ramgobind. Two renowned human rights activists played an important role in reviving ‘Phoenix Settlements’. The estates, established by Mahatma Gandhi during his time in South Africa are an important part of South African history.

What did Mahatma Gandhi’s great-granddaughter do?

The 56-year-old was charged guilty of scamming SR Maharaj, a businessman based in South Africa. The incident occurred after he loaned her a sum of 6.2 million Rand. Furthermore, the loan was supposedly towards cleaning import and customs duties on a package from India. Rambogind allegedly promised him a share in the profits. Surprisingly, the alleged package never existed.

The trial began in 2015 and, Ramgobind presented false invoices and documentation. Hence, they were to persuade investors that three large shipments of linen. In addition to this, these shipments were supposedly sourced from India, reported Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

“She said she was experiencing financial difficulties to pay for import costs and customs. She said that she needed the money to clear the goods at the harbor,” said Natasha Kara, the spokesperson for NPA. “Ramgobind advised him (Maharaj) that she needed R6.2 million. To convince him, she showed him what she claimed was a signed purchase order for the goods. Later that month, she sent him what seemed to be a NetCare invoice and delivery note. They were the proof of the delivery of the goods and mentioned that payment was imminent,” she added.