Three arrested in alleged R1.8m SARS fraud as Hawks hunt fourth suspect

The Hawks have arrested three people in Mpumalanga in connection with an alleged R1.8 million fraud against the South African Revenue Service (SARS), while a fourth suspect remains at large.

Who was arrested

Police arrested Thandiwe Patricia Mokwena, 33, Thabiso France Motsoeneng, 32, and Sfiso Doctor Mokwena, 28 after warrants of arrest were executed by the Hawks’ Middelburg Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit on Monday.

Allegations and the role of a company

The Hawks say the arrests follow a SARS complaint about allegedly fraudulent tax and VAT returns submitted between 2019 and 2021. Investigators allege the submissions were made through a company identified as Maps Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd, where Thandiwe Mokwena is a director, and that the fraudulent returns led to prejudice to SARS amounting to R1.8 million.

Charges, bail and next court date

The three face allegations including fraud, money laundering and contraventions of the Tax Administration Act. They appeared in the Witbank Magistrate’s Court and were each granted bail of R7,000.

“The matter was postponed to October 28 pending the arrest of accused number four,” the Hawks said.

Investigation continues

The Hawks’ Middelburg Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit said it is continuing with the probe and remains in pursuit of the outstanding suspect linked to the alleged scheme.