Hawks arrest eighth accused in tax fraud case
The Middelburg-based Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit arrested an eighth accused for contravention of the tax administration act.
According to a media statement issued by the Hawks, Themba Jordan Shakoane(44), was released on R1 500 bail by the Witbank Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday following his arrest by the Hawks Middelburg-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for contravention of tax return.
During January 2017, while Themba Jordan Shakoane was employed by Transnet in Nelspruit, it is alleged that the accused was the intermediary who recruited runners as well as co-workers and lured them to commit tax fraud.
The recruits were promised tax refunds if their tax returns were submitted through e-filing by a Mr Mphephu, a tax consultant.
The tax consultant allegedly submitted fraudulent claims and false information which generated tax refunds on behalf of the recruited taxpayers.
His co-accused made their first appearance before Witbank Magistrates’ Court during December 2022.
Shakoane benefited by receiving payment from the tax consultant, Mr Mphephu, for recruiting and SARS for falsified claims (tax refunds).
SARS was defrauded R960 000 in the process.
The case was postponed to 29 August to be joined with his co-accused and the matter will be transferred to Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court.
