EASTERN CAPE – Prosper Mhlanga (41), a former accountant for Magebheza Furniture Manufacturers CC appeared in the East London Magistrates’ Court on 30 June 2021 for allegations of tax fraud.

The accountant’s court appearance originates from his arrest by the East London Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team of the Hawks during the early hours of the morning on Wednesday, 30 June 2021.

It is alleged that Mhlanga, as an accountant hired by Magebheza Furniture Manufacturer CC submitted a fraudulent claim to the South African Revenue Services (SARS) for the year 2016 in December 2017.  It is reported that Mhlanga’s alleged fraudulent conduct prejudiced SARS cash amounting to R378 000 as the money was successfully paid to the business account.

The Furniture Manufacturing CC was subjected to a random tax auditing process where inconsistencies were detected. SARS reported the matter to the Hawks for probing which culminated in the arrest of Mhlanga on 30 June 2021. He made a short appearance in East London Magistrates’ Court on the very same day where he was released on a warning. The matter was remanded to 20 July 2021 in East London Regional Court to set a trial date.

Source: South African Police Service