MARTIN Sello Nkoana (52) appeared before the East London Magistrates’ Court on 27th February 2025, facing allegations of defrauding SARS to the tune of over R5.4 million.
According to Hawks spokesperson, W.O. Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, Nkoana was apprehended by the East London Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) together with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) on the same day of his court appearance and was released on warning.
His co-accused, Lungisa Yvonne Nokwelo (63), Tawana Samuel Tsheoga (54), Unathi Xolisa Yako (44), and Lucob Cleaning Services CC were summoned to appear before the East London Magistrates’ Court and were also released on warning.
W.O. Mhlakuvana said that during the period between 6th February 2018 and 2nd March 2018, Nkoana allegedly colluded with his co-accused by misrepresentation to defraud SARS. Further allegations revealed that the accused submitted fraudulent income tax returns in respect of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) to SARS. After submission of the aforementioned tax returns, SARS reportedly paid the refund to their business entity. During auditing, discrepancies were identified, and the matter was referred to the Hawks for investigation.
“A preliminary investigation by the Hawks confirmed the allegations that Nkoana and his accomplices made misrepresentations by unlawfully and intentionally submitting fraudulent tax returns to defraud SARS. As a result of such activities, SARS was actually prejudiced by cash of more than R5.4 million,” said W.O. Mhlakuvana.
The matter was remanded to 4th April 2025 for further investigation, and more arrests are imminent, according to W.O. ARMhlakuvana.
