The Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (The Hawks) have arrested a Gauteng businessman for almost R10 million tax fraud.
Meshack Mpapadima Makofane (49) was arrested yesterday on Monday after he handed himself in at the Hawks’ office in Johanesburg along with his legal representative.
He was charged with fraud and contravening with the Tax Administration Act.
Mafokane and his co-accused, Elias Oman Magheje (51), allegedly submitted fraudulent value added tax claim via e-filing invoiced to the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
This occurred between November 2017 and January 2018 through their Cape Town-based construction company, Machembe Construction and Projects CC.
The SARS internal analysis revealed approximately R9.9 million was transferred to the company’s bank account of which authorities suspected that the documents submitted were fraudulent.
Both Makofane and Magheje were investigated by the Hawks after the ordeal was reported and warrant of arrests were issued.
Magheje was later released on a R30 000 bail by the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court following his arrest in February.
Mokofane was granted a R15 000 bail after his first appearance in the same court yesterday.
The accused are both expected to return in court on 29 June 2022 for docket disclosure.
