Mbombela fraudster sentenced for money laundering
A woman was sentenced to a R20 000 fine or three years' imprisonment, and was expected to pay back R50 000 to SARS.
The Nelspruit Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sentenced Cynthia Zanele Maluleke (40) for fraud, theft and money laundering on December 8. She is among eight accused who were recently arrested for contravening the Tax Administration Act.
The Hawks’ provincial spokesperson, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, said the sentence followed a lengthy investigation by the Mbombela-based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit. “The accused was arrested for money laundering as she benefited from R50 000 from the total potential loss of R950 090.07 from SARS,” she said.
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“Maluleke was sentenced to a R20 000 fine or three years’ imprisonment. To avoid going to jail she must pay half, R10 000, upfront along with the R50 000 to SARS. The remaining R10 000 she can pay off until it is settled,” she said.
, praised the investigation team and judiciary for securing the sentence, which will deter those who still want to manipulate the system by defrauding SARS. She advised all government employees to follow the correct procedures when submitting tax returns to SARS.
