A 39-year-old South African Revenue Service compliance officer charged with corruption is expected to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court this morning, 14 April 2022.
It is alleged that the complainant had his cargo container at City Deep that allegedly did not comply with certain regulations and was fined R342 000. The compliance officer reportedly suggested that the fine could be reduced provided that the complainant agreed to the terms and conditions. The pair agreed to a reduction of the fine for the gratification of R60 000. The complainant then went to report to the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team, following consistent pestering from the official.
A covert operation was conducted yesterday by the Hawks team in Alberton where a handing over was to take place. An undercover agent handed over R40 000 cash to the SARS official and he was arrested. He was charged with corruption and will be appearing in the Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court.