| Fraudsters released on bail for contravention of Section of 234(a) read with Section 1 and 3, 152, 153 and 238 Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011 | |
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| Date Published | |
| 2023/09/20 | |
| Details | |
Media Statement MPUMALANGA- Romini Lucky Shongwe (47), a sole director of Velibanti Vuka enterprises and Noxolo Mpumelelo Mndawe (36) were released on R5000 bail each by the White River Magistrates' court on Wednesday, 20 September 2023. They were arrested by the Hawks Nelspruit based Serious Commercial Crimes Investigation on 18 and 20 September 2023 respectively, for fraud and contravention of the Tax Administration Act. It is alleged that on 15 January 2023, at White River in the Regional Division of Mpumalanga, Shongwe colluded with unknown person who assisted him to submit fraudulent company income tax returns for the Tax years 2014, wherein foreign tax credits were claimed and the money was deposited in the company account It is further alleged that after the money was received, Shongwe intended to share some money with the person who assisted him with the claim. The said person gave Shongwe the account numbers of Mndawe, who became accused number three on this matter. Money was deposited into her account. Shongwe and Mndawe possessed and used the proceeds of unlawfully obtained tax refunds and also benefited from the proceeds of the Tax refunds unduly received by accused no.1 (Velibanti Vuka Enterprises Pty Ltd). As a result of the said false entry, the South African Revenue Services suffered potential loss of R240 566.77. The case was reported to the Hawks for investigation. During further investigation, the trio were linked with the crime and warrant of arrest was authorised and executed. The case was postponed to 07 October 2023 and transferred to Nelspruit Regional court for disclosure of the case. The Provincial Head of the Hawks Major General Gerber applauded the investigation team for their determination and speedy finalisation of the case. He further warned the community to refrain from defrauding SARS as it has a severe impact on the fiscus of the state and service delivery. He also said that the Hawks will investigate and arrest all perpetrators of crime without fear and favour. Ends
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