Two business partners, including their company based in Bethlehem in the Free State, stand accused of tax evasion spanning over three years. The accused are Liphooko Samuel Mafofela (38) and Nthabiseng Moses (30), and their company Bondo Trading Pty.
The company is the first respondent in the tax evasion matter. The culprits briefly appeared in the Bethlehem Magistrates’ Court on 18 September, facing a charge of contravention of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011.
Capt. Christopher Singo, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said after completion of the investigation, a summons was served to the accused in August. The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team based in Bethlehem conducted the investigation.
Singo said a preliminary probe by the South African Revenue Services (Sars) uncovered the suspects’ alleged tax evasion.
“This resulted in Sars losing more than R4 million. The incident took place during June 2019 and February 2021. The matter was then reported to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team for further investigation, culminating in summons being served and court appearance of the suspects regarding tax evasion,” said Singo.
The court postponed the suspected tax evaders’ case to 30 October during their recent appearance in court.
