In a significant breakthrough, the Hawks' Middelburg Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit has arrested three individuals accused of defrauding the South African Revenue Service (SARS) of over R1.8 million. Thandiwe Patricia Mokwena, 33, Thabiso France Motsoeneng, 32, and Sfiso Doctor Mokwena, 28, were apprehended on Monday following the execution of warrants of arrest. The trio is set to face allegations of fraud, money laundering, and contraventions of the Tax Administration Act.
According to the Hawks, the investigation was initiated after SARS lodged a complaint regarding allegedly fraudulent tax and VAT returns submitted between 2019 and 2021. The probe led to the discovery of a suspected scheme involving Maps Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd, where Thandiwe Mokwena holds a director position. The company is allegedly at the center of the scheme, which involved submitting fraudulent tax and VAT returns to claim refunds from SARS.
Investigators claim that Maps Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd, along with the three arrested individuals and one outstanding suspect, colluded to submit false tax returns from 2019 to 2021. The company also allegedly submitted fraudulent VAT returns during the same period to claim VAT refunds from SARS. The Hawks say that this resulted in SARS suffering prejudice amounting to R1,806,252.95.
Following their arrests, Mokwena, Motsoeneng, and Mokwena appeared before the Witbank Magistrate's Court, where they were granted bail of R7,000 each. The court proceedings were part of the ongoing investigation, with the Hawks working to apprehend the fourth suspect linked to the scheme. The matter has been postponed to October 28, pending the arrest of the remaining accused.
The Hawks' Middelburg Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit is continuing with the investigation, focusing on unraveling the full extent of the alleged fraud. The unit's efforts aim to bring all individuals involved in the scheme to justice and recover the losses incurred by SARS.
The alleged fraud case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by SARS in preventing and detecting tax-related crimes. The revenue service has been working to enhance its systems and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to combat such schemes. The arrest of the three individuals and the pursuit of the fourth suspect demonstrate the authorities' commitment to addressing these issues.
As the investigation continues, the Hawks are urging anyone with information about the alleged scheme or the whereabouts of the fourth suspect to come forward. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in fraudulent activities, particularly those that compromise the integrity of the tax system.
Key points
- Three people arrested in Mpumalanga for allegedly defrauding SARS of R1.8m
- The alleged scheme involved submitting fraudulent tax and VAT returns between 2019 and 2021
- The Hawks continue to pursue a fourth suspect linked to the scheme
