EASTERN CAPE - The East London Regional Court convicted and sentenced Investment (PTY) Ltd, two directors and a businessman for fraud yesterday, 10 March 2022 respectively. Investment (PTY) Ltd under two directors, Sibongile Gobile (51) and Khanyisa Gobile (35), a company dealing with movable and immovable had contracts to supply services to five municipalities and two government departments in the Eastern Cape province. During the tax season from April 2013 to August 2016, the company submitted nil VAT returns to the South African Revenue Service (SARS), which prejudiced the revenue millions of rands. The accused were charged with numerous counts of fraud by the East London based Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation. They appeared in court on various occasions until their conviction. The company was fined R100 000. The Gobile's were instructed to pay SARS an amount of R2 million in installments of R250 000. Another investigation by the East London based Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation led to the conviction of Mandisi Gcoko (65). Gcoko had lease agreements for rental of his properties with Amothole District Municipality from 2009 to 2012. It was discovered in 2014 that he failed to disclose the rental income during the income tax return season. The revenue was prejudiced hundreds of rands. He was charged with fraud. After several court appearances, he was convicted and sentenced. He was fined R20 000 and was further instructed to pay SARS an amount of R126 000. Source: South African Police Service