A Bloemfontein-based company director has been ordered by the Bloemfontein Regional Court to repay the South African Revenue Services (Sars) R800 000 – the amount he reportedly defrauded the revenue services of.
Paul Rafoneke (36) and his company, Setsabelo Trading, were found guilty for contravening the Tax Administration Act.
He was ordered to repay the money in full by July 2029 in monthly instalments of R13 334. The sentencing was handed down on 23 July, and was a result of probing done by the Bloemfontein Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime investigation team.
Lt Col. Zweli Mohobeleli, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said evidence revealed he had submitted false tax returns, which resulted in Sars suffering a loss more of than R800 000.
The fraudulent activities were committed between 2012 and 2016.
“Rafoneke was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on condition that he repays Sars by July 2029. Setsabelo Trading was sentenced to a fine of R100 000, wholly suspended for five years,” said Mohobeleli.
