IRS Forensic Investigations have again spoken out on the lack of police action following the intimidation they faced when their offices were stormed as reported in the article, Investigators attacked, [Week ending 12 April].
Almost a month after their offices were taken control of by allegedly armed men, IRS Forensic Investigations are displeased with the manner in which their case is being handled. Chad Thomas of IRS shared their frustration with the issue. He said, “The primary suspect in the case is under investigation by IRS Forensic Investigations in three different matters relating to alleged fraud. He has prior convictions for fraud, illegal possession of firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. He brought a team of thugs in an effort to intimidate IRS staff from continuing their investigation against him and even tried to extort the directors of IRS while his team of thugs were threatening, harassing, and assaulting IRS staff members.”
According to Thomas, none of the men involved in the incident have been arrested nor has a warrant for their arrest been issued. He believes this is a big concern as it doesn’t seem to show a sense of urgency from Parkview police, who are investigating the matter. Thomas said, “We gave recordings from other victims where the suspect in this case states that he is going to kill a complainant in a case IRS is investigating against him. This suspect is no stranger to the authorities and poses a clear threat not just to investigators but also those that instructed IRS to investigate him in the first place.”
Thomas went on to say that although they do have the resources and know-how on how to protect themselves they fear for members of the public that cannot say the same thing. He said, “IRS has in place the resources to protect ourselves as well as the legal know-how to approach the High Court to interdict the suspect and to authorise and compel SAPS to investigate the case further. However, the average person may not have these resources. There must be multiple victims of this type of intimidation who live in fear of retribution from the suspect and his thugs, and this is not acceptable at all.”
Thomas concluded by stating that regardless of the current situation, it will not deter the team from doing their work. He said, “The problem for this suspect is that IRS staff will not be intimidated into dropping cases against this suspect and will ensure that he is prosecuted for a multitude of crimes.”
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