Three arrested over alleged R1.8m SARS fraud, fourth suspect still at large - IOL

The Hawks have arrested three people in connection with an alleged R1.8 million SARS fraud scheme.

Three people accused of defrauding the South African Revenue Service (SARS) of more than R1.8 million have been arrested in Mpumalanga, while the Hawks continue to pursue a fourth suspect linked to the scheme.

Thandiwe Patricia Mokwena, 33, Thabiso France Motsoeneng, 32, and Sfiso Doctor Mokwena, 28, were arrested on Monday after the Hawks’ Middelburg Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit executed warrants of arrest.

The trio face allegations of fraud, money laundering and contraventions of the Tax Administration Act.

According to the Hawks, the investigation was launched following a complaint lodged by SARS over allegedly fraudulent tax and VAT returns submitted between 2019 and 2021.

Investigators allege that Maps Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd, where Thandiwe Mokwena is a director, was at the centre of the alleged scheme.

“It is alleged that Maps Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd, of which Thandiwe Mokwena is a director, colluded with the two accused and one outstanding suspect when submitting fraudulent tax returns for the period 2019 to 2021,” the Hawks said.

“The company also allegedly submitted fraudulent VAT returns for the same period in order to claim VAT refunds from SARS.”

Authorities allege the fraudulent submissions ultimately 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 and were granted bail of R7,000 each.

“The matter was postponed to October 28 pending the arrest of accused number four,” the Hawks said.

The Hawks’ Middelburg Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit is continuing with the investigation.