Three arrested over alleged R1.8m SARS fraud, fourth suspect still at large
Three people have been arrested in Mpumalanga for allegedly defrauding SARS of more than R1.8 million through fraudulent tax and VAT returns.
Three individuals have been apprehended in Mpumalanga in connection with a massive fraud scheme allegedly amounting to over R1.8 million, orchestrated against the South African Revenue Service (SARS). The Hawks' Middelburg Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit executed arrest warrants on Monday, apprehending Thandiwe Patricia Mokwena, 33, Thabiso France Motsoeneng, 32, and Sfiso Doctor Mokwena, 28.
These three face charges of fraud, money laundering, and violations of the Tax Administration Act. The investigation stemmed from a complaint lodged by SARS regarding fraudulent tax and VAT returns submitted between 2019 and 2021. Authorities allege that Maps Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd, where Thandiwe Mokwena serves as a director, was instrumental in the alleged scheme.
It is claimed that the company, along with the aforementioned individuals and one remaining suspect, conspired to submit fraudulent tax returns for the specified period, also filing fraudulent VAT returns to claim refunds from SARS. Consequently, SARS allegedly incurred a loss of R1,806,252.95 due to these fraudulent submissions.
Upon their arrest, Mokwena, Motsoeneng, and Mokwena were brought before the Witbank Magistrate’s Court and were released on bail of R7,000 each. The case was adjourned until October 28, pending the apprehension of the fourth suspect linked to the scheme. The Hawks' Middelburg Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit remains actively pursuing the investigation.
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