Standerton:Mpumalanga The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in Mpumalanga has announced the conviction and sentencing of Susanna Johanna Jacobs, a 61-year-old businesswoman, by the Standerton Magistrate's Court. Jacobs was convicted on November 10, 2026, for violating the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011.

According to South African Police Service, the conviction followed an investigation by the Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) team in Secunda, initiated after a criminal complaint by the South African Revenue Service (SARS). The investigation revealed that Jacobs, representing Various Integrate Projects (Pty) Ltd as its sole director, failed to submit annual tax returns to SARS for four consecutive tax seasons from 2021/2022 to 2024/2025.

The court proceedings concluded with Jacobs being found guilty and receiving a sentence of a R10,000 fine or two years' imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on the condition that she does not commit the same offense during this period.

Officials have emphasized that this conviction serves as a warning to business leaders about the importance of tax compliance. The Hawks, in collaboration with SARS, are focused on combating financial crime and ensuring accountability within South Africa's revenue collection system.

Business owners are urged to maintain compliance with tax laws to avoid administrative sanctions, financial penalties, and potential criminal charges, which can harm reputations and business opportunities.

Brigadier Bruce Davenport, Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, reiterated the commitment to pursue individuals and entities that contravene tax laws, stressing that tax evasion deprives the State of essential resources for service delivery and economic development.