Sandesh Moothee Ram
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Sandesh Moothee Ram, an uMhlanga businessman, has been granted bail after being charged with the attempted murder of his brother-in-law, Reshaan Haripershad, following an alleged violent altercation.
Moothee Ram, 39, was granted R10, 000 bail in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
His bail conditions include reporting to the police station twice a week and not to interfere with the State witnesses.
According to the charge sheet, Moothee Ram allegedly assaulted his brother-in-law, Reshaan Haripershad, using a hockey stick, before pouring petrol over his body on March 17.
Moothee Ram handed himself over to the police last week.
He was legally represented by attorney Shameer Goolabjith and Advocate Kuveshni Pillay.
Following the bail ruling, the Haripershad family shared a statement with the POST via their legal representative, Pather and Pather Attorneys.
“The family remains fearful and distressed that an individual accused of such conduct has been released from custody on bail, particularly given the severity and violence of the incident and its impact on Mr Haripershad. Their primary concern at this stage remains the safety and well-being of Mr Haripershad and those close to him.
“It is regrettable that allegations of gender-based violence are being invoked in this manner. Mr Haripershad’s upbringing and family life, having two sisters of his own, has influenced him to be a strong advocate against gender-based violence. Mr Haripershad and his family will continue to cooperate fully with the criminal justice process and remain committed to seeing this matter properly ventilated before the court,” read the statement.
During his bail application on Tuesday, Moothee Ram, in his affidavit, said on the day of the alleged incident there was a violent altercation between his sister and brother-in-law (Haripershad) at their marital home.
“I was called there and intervened. I rushed over as this abuse has been ongoing since October 2025, and was perpetrated on my only sister.
“The breakdown of my sister's marriage is as a result of the complainant's (Haripershad) multiple adulterous relationships,” he said.
He further told the court of his personal circumstances, which required him to be released on bail.
The prosecutor, in support of the State opposing Moothee Ram’s bail, read out a supplementary affidavit from Haripershad, who said that he and his family's safety was at risk.
He said that Moothee Ram had made threats on his life on several occasions including in a Whatsapp message.
Haripershad said Moothee Ram carried out the violent assault on March 17 - where he alleged that he was assaulted and threatened that he would be burnt alive.
He added that he had taken significant steps to protect himself such as stopping all social activities.
Haripershad said he was afraid, not only for himself, but also that his family might be targeted.
The case was adjourned to May.