Company Director and Bookkeeper Face Charges
Company director Mmaseala Kekana, bookkeeper Richard Sekgantsha Makgasa, and their business entity Mmarekhu Retail and Suppliers CC have appeared before the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Polokwane on charges related to SARS tax offences.
Limpopo spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa, confirmed that the trio appeared in court on Friday. The State alleges that during the 2013/2014 tax period, the accused unlawfully and falsely acted with a common intent and in furtherance of a common purpose.
“The accused reportedly submitted false income tax returns to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and were about to be refunded the amount of R1,665,089,” said Mmuroa. In 2022, SARS conducted a forensic audit and discovered the irregularities. A case docket of fraud was opened at Mokopane police station and referred to the Polokwane-based Hawks serious commercial crime investigation unit for further investigation.
“The investigation was conducted, and upon finalisation of the case, it was handed to the public prosecutor for a decision. As a result, the public prosecutor issued warrants for the arrests of the director, company, and the bookkeeper,” said Mmuroa.
The accused trio was traced and arrested on October 21. They were summoned to appear before the court on November 15. “The case was postponed to November 22, 2024, for further police investigations,” added Mmuroa.
This case highlights the dangers of attempting to defraud SARS. The government is acting swiftly and decisively against fraudsters, ensuring that those who engage in such activities are held accountable.