The Middelburg-based Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit arrested an eighth accused for contravention of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011.

According to a media statement issued by the Hawks, Themba Jordan Shakoane (44), was released on R1 500 bail by the Witbank Magistrate’s Court yesterday following his arrest by the Hawks Middelburg-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for contravention of tax return.

During January 2017, while Shakoane was employed by Transnet in Mbombela, 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 Magistrate’s Court during December 2022.

Shakoane reportedly 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 August 29 to be joined with his co-accused and the matter will be transferred to the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court.