The Hawks’ Middelburg Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit executed three arrests on September 29, following an extensive investigation into fraudulent tax claims against the South African Revenue Service (Sars).

The three people appeared in the Witbank Magistrate’s Court on September 29 following their arrest by the police for alleged tax fraud and money laundering totalling more than R1.8m.

The suspects, Thandiwe Patricia Mokwena (33), Thabiso France Motsoeneng (32) and Sfiso Doctor Mokwena (28), are accused of submitting fraudulent tax and VAT returns between 2019 and 2021 through the company Maps Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd, where Thandiwe Mokwena serves as a director.

Falsified financial records

According to Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, the group colluded to falsify financial records to secure unlawful VAT refunds, resulting in an exact loss of R1 806 252.95 to the tax authority.

Nkosi said that the arrests follow a formal complaint lodged directly by Sars after discrepancies were picked up in the company’s submissions.

“It is alleged that the suspects worked together to fabricate VAT return figures over a two-year period to unlawfully claim refunds.”

Fourth suspect sought

The trio were granted bail of R7 000 each by the court.

Nkosi added that the investigation by the Middelburg team remains active.

“The matter has been postponed to October 28 as officers trace a fourth suspect linked to the scheme.”