| 2022/12/12 |
Media Statement MPUMALANGA - Cynthia Zanele Maluleka (40) who is amongst the eight accused who were arrested for contravening the Tax Administration Act, was convicted and sentenced by the Nelspruit Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 8 December 2022. She was charged with fraud, theft alternatively contravening the Tax Administration Act and money laundering. The sentence followed a lengthy investigation by the Nelspruit based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation. The accused was arrested for money laundering as she benefitted R50 000 from the total potential loss of R950 090.07 from the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Maluleke was sentenced to R20 000-00 fine or three years imprisonment of which half, R10 000.00 or 18 months imprisonment on condition that the accused pay back the amount of R 50 000 to SARS. The case against the remaining accused was postponed to 30 January 2023 for a plea.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Zodwa Mokoena praised the investigation team and judiciary for securing the sentence which will be a deterrent to those who still want to manipulate the system by defrauding SARS. She also advised all government employees to follow the correct procedures when submitting tax returns to SARS.
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