Case against alleged tax fraudster postponed for bail application
The Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court issued a warrant for his arrest and the team utilised several tactics to assist in securing his appearance in court, including enlisting the assistance of the public.
Fraud accused Sifiso Innocent Mabuza will formally apply for bail on Friday June 3, in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court.
Mabuza (39), who was sought by the Nelspruit-based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for fraud and contravention of the Tax Administration Act, handed himself over to the office of the Hawks in Mbombela on Monday May 30, through his lawyer.
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According to Hawks spokesperson Capt Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi Mabuza’s appearance followed an investigation into a fraud case which transpired during 2018 and 2021. “During that time Mabuza was the director of Shishila Rural Trading.
He allegedly submitted fraudulent tax returns to Sars and prejudiced the receiver of revenue to an amount of R28m. The investigation team traced Mabuza and he promised to hand himself over which he never did.
The court then issued a warrant for his arrest and the team utilised several tactics to assist in securing his appearance in court, including enlisting the assistance of the public,” said Sekgotodi. During his appearance in court, the investigation and prosecution teams brought to the attention of the court that Mabuza had more than 10 properties in Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Durban and Limpopo registered on his name and all the addresses had to be verified before a bail application. The matter was then postponed to June 3.
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The provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Maj General Zodwa Mokoena, applauded members of the media and the public for making efforts to bringing the accused before court. Mokoena also applauded the investigation team and prosecution for persuading the court to remand the accused in custody.
“There is no one above the law and that the Hawks will do their job without fear or favour,” said Mokoena. The National Prosecuting Authority’s regional spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, confirmed that Mabuza was remanded in custody and will appear in court tomorrow.
