The Hawks in North-West are investigating a Potchefstroom duo, Thami Pheto (35) and Johanna van Niekerk (65) who are facing 19 counts of fraud amounting to R260 000.

Pheto and Van Niekerk appeared in the Potchefstroom Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 20 February, facing 19 counts of fraud and contravention of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011.

It is alleged that between 2020 and 2022 Pheto, who is an educator at Botoka Technical School in Potchefstroom, collected tax certificates from his colleagues to file income tax returns on their behalf through e-filing.

According to Hawks North West spokesperson, Lt Col. Tinyiko Mathebula, the investigation revealed that Pheto took the collected tax certificates to Van Niekerk to do e-filing.

“Van Niekerk, who operates an internet cafe, allegedly manipulated the tax certificates and as a result; the South African Revenue Service suffered a loss of R260 000,” added Mathebula.

Reports indicate that 19 persons unduly benefitted from the income tax returns filed with the assistance of the accused.

Following an investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation, Pheto and Van Niekerk were arrested on Friday morning, 20 February.

They appeared in court and were granted R5000 bail each.

Their matter has been postponed to 27 February 2026 for legal representation.