The Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court has issued a warrant of arrest for John Christopher Conroy (59), the Director of CJC Precast, after he failed to appear in court today. Conroy faces 65 counts of contravening Section 234(d) of the Tax Administration Act, 28 of 2011, for failing to submit tax returns.

Investigations revealed that Conroy did not submit both Value Added Tax (VAT) and Company Income Tax (CIT) returns for CJC Precast between February 2019 and June 2024. Despite multiple reminders from the South African Revenue Service (SARS), including telephonic notifications on 18 May 2022 and 16 August 2024, as well as written notices, Conroy failed to meet his tax obligations.

This case forms part of the broader Honey Badger Project, which targets tax non-compliance in South Africa. The initiative aims to hold individuals and companies accountable for not adhering to tax laws.

The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West and the Acting Head of the North West Hawks praised the efforts of all parties involved in bringing the case to the court roll. Both emphasised the importance of enforcing compliance with South Africa’s tax laws and ensuring justice is served.

The NPA and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) reiterated their commitment to addressing tax evasion and ensuring that those who disregard their tax responsibilities face legal consequences.

The arrest warrant issued for Conroy highlights the ongoing push by authorities to tackle tax evasion and ensure that individuals comply with South Africa’s tax laws. The case is expected to set a significant precedent in the Honey Badger Project.