A Bloemfontein-based businesswoman, Noluthando Nofemele (46), and her company, Zimvo Trading CC, have been found guilty of tax fraud and received hefty fines. The Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court sentenced both the director and her company to a fine of R300 000 each on Friday, 2 February.
In addition, the court also ordered Nofemele to repay the South African Revenue Service (Sars) an amount of R701 591 with January 2029 set as the deadline for full payment.
This conviction and sentencing is a result of an investigation by the Bloemfontein Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team.
Col. Zweli Mohobeleli, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said that Sars reported the incident of fraud and contravention of the tax administration act in 2022. Then the elite crime fighting wing launched an investigation.
“This is after discovering the accused had submitted false tax returns. The company’s fine of R300 000 is wholly suspended for five years. Nofemele was sentenced to a fine of R300 000 or three years’ imprisonment. The sentence is wholly suspended for five years with the condition that they are not found guilty of similar offences during the duration of the five-year period,” said Mohobeleli. He said summons for the court appearance was served on 23 November 2022 upon completion of the investigation into the false tax return.
