MPUMALANGA: Thokozani Caswell Shongwe (41) who is accused number six amongst the eight accused who were arrested for contravening the Tax Administration Act, was convicted and sentenced by the Nelspruit Specialised Commercial Crime Court on Wednesday, 01 June 2022 charged with fraud, theft or alternatively contravening the provisions of Section 235 of the Tax Administration Act and Money laundering.

The sentences followed a lengthy investigation by the Hawks after the accused was arrested for Money Laundering whereby he received a R500 000.00 share into his bank account prejudicing the South African Revenue services.

Thokozani Caswell Shongwe was sentenced to R 200 000.00 fine or 3 years imprisonment of which half R10 000 or 18 months imprisonment is suspended for 5 years on condition that he is not to be convicted of same offence during the period of suspension. He must also pay back the amount of R 50 000.00 to the South African Revenue Service. Shongwe is to pay R 10 000.00 by Wednesday, 01 June 2022 and instalments of R 800.00 before or on the 7th of each month until the total amount is paid.

On another matter, Pretty Sambo (31) who also received R22 500.00 from the South African Revenue Services into her bank account was sentenced by the same court to R 10 000.00 fine or 2 years imprisonment of which half R 5 000.00 or 12 months imprisonment is suspended for 5 years on condition that she not be convicted on same charges of money laundering and that she pay back R 22 500.00 to the South African Revenue Service. R 5000.00 to be paid by Wednesday, 01 June 2022 and R 500.00 to be paid in instalments before or on the 7th of each month until the total amount is paid.

Dlami Trading cc and Collen Mlungisi Nkosi(43) were convicted and sentenced on 27 May 2022. The matter against the remaining Themba Mabandla Pila (36), Sthembiso Nelson Ubisi(41), Baby Martha Malomane(40), Themba Edlon Ndlovu(47) and Patracia Nobuhle Ndlovu(45) was postponed to 18th July 2022 for a plea.

The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Zodwa Mokoena highly praised the investigation team and judiciary for securing such sentence which will bring a cognizant to those who still want to manipulate the system by defrauding SARS. She also advise all the government employees to follow the correct procedures when submitting Tax returns to SARS.

Source: South African Police Service